Paralyzed Cuban political prisoner arrives in U.S.

Associated Press
By Suzette Laboy
July 28, 2010

MIAMI — A recently freed Cuban political prisoner arrived in the United States on Wednesday, where he greeted 100 well-wishers who cheered as the paralyzed former boxer called for the overthrow of the Castro government.

Ariel Sigler, 44, addressed the crowd at Miami International Airport after arriving on a charter flight from Cuba. He had been released from a Cuban prison last month as part of a deal between the communist government and the island's Roman Catholic Church after serving seven years of a 25-year sentence for treason. He obtained a U.S. visa quickly, and subsequently was given permission to leave the island by Cuban authorities.

Freedom To Travel

U.S. Travel Ban on Cuba

For more than four decades, the United States has tried to isolate Cuba, economically and diplomatically.

When we look at Cuba news, we see an increasingly public and vigorous debate about the economy. We see the nations of the region conducting ordinary and even extraordinary relations with Cuba. What we don't see is a story line involving the United States, the effectiveness of U.S. policy, or even much of a presence or a role as the possibilities of change unfold.

Top 10 List

"This top ten list is a powerful reminder to Congress and all Americans that sanctions against Cuba do nothing but violate American values, cost American jobs, stain our image overseas, and breach our basic rights," said Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas. "As Cuba enters a new era, so should America, and replace our policy of isolating Cuba with one favoring engagement, travel and trade."