'All Cuban citizens must be guaranteed their rights to freedom of association, assembly and expression. We are extremely concerned at the mass arrests that took place in February and December 2002 particularly as many remain imprisoned, some without charge. The majority of those arrested were detained solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression, association or assembly and are considered prisoners of conscience,' said Amnesty International.

Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Cuban authorities to halt its practice of detaining those engaged in peaceful dissident activities, and to reform elements of its national legislation that restrict fundamental freedoms in violation of international human rights standards.

Full details of the individuals arrested are available in: CUBA: Continued detentions following mass arrests in February and December 2002