From what I've read, a number of political prisoners were freed in 2005. The number of political prisoners has dropped. I get a bit lost when I start to read up on this issue because there is a great deal of information out there. Some claim that these prisoners are mistreated, while others maintain the exact opposite. Political prisoners in Cuba could have ties to European religious organizations, for example, however,—and I don't know why—they always have ties to American organizations or the U.S. government. Since Cuba is constantly at war with the United States, these individuals are automatically fall under suspicion. Unfortunately, the two sides are unable to communicate.
The various attempted attacks on Cuba, orchestrated from American soil and, during the 1990s, the commandos sent from the United States to Cuba to launch assaults on daycares and theatres are not indicative of normal behaviour. The Cuban government is sticking to its guns and does not want to give up any ground. So, the situation is extremely political.
That is why it would be important, in my opinion, for the two governments to reach some kind of understanding and for the U.S. embargo and sanctions to be lifted. Not only must U.S. laws and policies change, but various UN organizations must also get involved. The United States has to change the way it deals with Cuba.
We would then be in a better position to make demands on Cuba. Many people around the world have said that the policies in force are indicative of a double standard at play. Many people in the international community have grave concerns in this regard.