Speedy Trials of 75 Dissidents Defended
From Times Wire Reports
Cuba defended its speedy prosecution of 75 dissidents, saying it had to protect itself against U.S. attempts to subvert the government. The United States, which has dismissed the Cuban allegations, condemned the crackdown. “This is symptomatic of the dictatorship,” White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer said.
The known sentences for 57 of the government opponents tried range from 6 to 28 years. The remaining 18 sentences are expected by week’s end.
No acquittals have been reported.
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