HAVANA, July 8 (UPI) -- The Cuban government's decision to free 52 political prisoners arrested seven years ago is intended to have an effect overseas, a human rights activist says.
Elizardo Sanchez, head of the Cuban Commission for Human Rights, says the decision was made "for short-term political motives" and will be of no benefit in Cuba, the Washington Post reported Thursday.
The Cuban rights commission estimates 100 political prisoners will remain incarcerated after the planned release.
The announcement that Cuba would free 52 people arrested in a pro-democracy crackdown in March 2003 was made by Catholic officials in Havana Wednesday.
The deal was brokered by the country's archbishop with the help of visiting Spanish diplomats.
According to the announcement, five of the political prisoners will be freed immediately and travel to Spain, El Nuevo Herald reports.
The remaining 47 are to be released in the next three to four months.
