Cuban ‘Ladies in White’ demand release of imprisoned relatives

A group of Cuban women known as the "Ladies in White" continued their week of protests today to commemorate the seventh anniversary of a series of political arrests known as "Black Spring.” The women, who wear all white during their demonstrations, are mothers, wives, and friends of government critics.  

(Sounds of protest)

Cuban security forces broke up a demonstration on Wednesday and pro-government residents of Havana have booed and chanted down the Ladies in White every day this week.

The Ladies in White are demanding the release of over 50 imprisoned relatives. The Castro government calls the prisoners "counter-revolutionaries" and "mercenaries".  

One of the prisoners, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, died last month after an 85-day hunger strike. His death drew international condemnation and attention to prisoners supported by the Ladies in White. The women plan to continue their demonstrations through Sunday.