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Raul Castro Empties Cuba's Death Row

New president commutes all but 3 capital sentences

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 29, 2008 8:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – New Cuban president Raul Castro has commuted all but three of the country's death sentences to prison terms of 30 years to life, reports Reuters. Castro, who also has been gradually easing the country's restrictions on daily life, said the death penalty would remain on the books to deter "imperialist mercenaries." The three prisoners remaining on death row are charged with terrorist offenses.

Raul Castro gestures as he attends a session of the National Assembly in Havana, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. . (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco,Prensa Latina)

President Raul Castro has commuted all but three of the nation's death sentences. (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco,Prensa Latina)

A Cuban flag waves in front of the National Hotel in Havana, Monday, March 31, 2008. New President Raul Castro's government has commuted all but three of the country's death sentences. (AP Photo/Javier Galeano)

Cuban President Fidel Castro, left, and his brother, Raul Castro are shown in this 2004 file photo in Havana, Cuba. (AP Photo/Cristobal Herrera, file )

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Raul Castro Empties Cuba's Death Row

New president commutes all but 3 capital sentences

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New president commutes all but 3 capital sentences

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Cuba • capital punishment • Raul Castro • death sentence • Cuban Revolution

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Che's Pal on Epic '52 Motorcycle Trip Dies

Alberto Granado lived out his days teaching in Cuba

Castro Sister: I Worked With CIA

New book reveals Juanita Castro's involvement with US intelligence

Early Castro Compatriot Almeida Dead at 82

Rebel leader coined revolutionary slogan 'Here, nobody surrenders!'

Steely Raúl's Time Is Now

Low-profile No. 2, Fidel's 'organizational glue,' steps into Cuba's top job

Fidel Faithful Likely to Keep Power

Cubans unsure if leader's resignation will change anything

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