Cuba describes journalist\'s hunger strike as blackmail

Cuba has described the hunger strike of dissident journalist Guillermo Farinas, as blackmail.



The journalist has been on a 12-day hunger strike.



However, Cuban authorities have rejected his demand to free 26 political prisoners who need medical care.



The 48-year old Farinas began his 23rd hunger strike a day after political prisoner Orlando Zapata died on February 23.



Mr Zapata died 85 days into a hunger strike to protest against prison conditions.



His death drew international outrage, with rights groups calling on Havana to release all political prisoners.



Guillermo was hospitalised last Wednesday after fainting.