BRIEFS

Dissidents released

HAVANA, Cuba (CMC):

Cuban authorities have released from jail two popular dissidents who had requested their continued detention until other opposition leaders were freed.

Hector Maseda and Angel Moya were freed Saturday, the latest opposition figures to be released from jail in the 2003 crackdown of 75 dissidents.

A week ago, the Raul Castro administration agreed to release Moya, but he had refused, stating that he preferred ailing dissidents to be set free first.

Maseda also declined his early release, urging that he be granted pardon rather than parole.

"I have left prison against my will," Maseda told reporters in Havana, shortly after his release. "I never would have accepted leaving jail on parole."

Moya was released shortly afterwards, stating that he, too, was kicked out of jail.

Investigations continue for dead British

ST JOHN'S, Antigua (CMC):

Police were yesterday continuing their investigation into the death of a Caucasian man whose body was found in his home in the upscale community of Cedar Valley.

Police have not released the man's identity, but local media reports say he is a British national in his early 30s, and relatives are due to arrive here from London on Tuesday.

Police spokesman William Holder said the cause of death has not yet been determined.

"Investigations are ongoing. We don't have much information at this time," Holder said, noting that foul play has not been ruled out.