Cuba vows to release 52 political prisoners, who were all detained in 2003 when then President Fidel Castro instituted a crackdown on dissent.
Activist Guillermo Fariñas (pictured) has been on a hunger strike since February to call attention to the prisoners' plight; this action could save his life. Another man, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, died this year after refusing food for 85 days.
This new action by Cuba may lead to improved relations between the United States and the island nation as well as ease international disapproval for its high number of prisoners of conscience.
