“Cuba will free 52 political prisoners, Cuba’s Catholic church said on Wednesday, in a major concession to international pressure and a possible step toward improved relations with the United States and Europe. The church said five of the prisoners would be released later on Wednesday and allowed to go to Spain, while the remaining 47 would be freed over the next few months and permitted to leave the country. The 52 men appeared to be those still in jail from 75 arrested in a 2003 government crackdown against dissidents that damaged Cuba’s international standing.” (07/07/10)