Cuban dissident ends four-month hunger strike after gov’t promises to free political prisoners

Cuban dissident gives up 4-month hunger strike

HAVANA — Cuban dissident Guillermo Farinas has called off his four-month hunger strike after the island’s government promised to free 52 political prisoners.

Licet Zamora is a spokeswoman for Farinas. She says he drank a glass of water Thursday afternoon. She described his condition as “grave.”

Farinas had refused food and water since shortly after the Feb. 23 death of dissident Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died in prison after a lengthy hunger strike behind bars.

He had demanded the release of dozens of political prisoners. The Roman Catholic Church announced Wednesday that it had reached an agreement with the government to release 52 political prisoners.

Farinas has been kept alive through intravenous feeding.