Cuban President Raul Castro Sunday warned political opponents against activism after the government started releasing 52 political prisoners in recent weeks, dpa reported.
Speaking at a meeting of the National Assembly to discuss economic issues, Castro said: "Those who attempt to endanger our independence will not escape with impunity."
It was the first official comment since Cuba announced earlier this month that it would release 52 jailed dissidents over about four months. Some have already left Cuba to live in Spain. The dissidents were imprisoned in 2003 and charged with subversive activity on behalf of the United States.
Castro emphasized that relations between Cuba and the US had not improved because of the releases.
"No one should deceive themselves," warned Castro, who has ruled the country since his brother, Fidel Castro, fell ill three years ago. "The defence of our sacred achievements, our streets and squares, is the first duty of our revolutionary forces."
He noted that the release of the dissidents was a sovereign decision of the Cuban state on the basis of its laws. The prisoners who have been deported to Spain were not imprisoned due to their ideas, but rather because they were in the service of the United States, its blockade and subversive policies, Castro said.