Cuban dissident Orlando Zapata, who died on Tuesday after an 85-day hunger strike intended to obtain better prison conditions, has been buried in the town of Banes, his birthplace. He had been in prison since 2003.

Police surrounded the town to prevent the funeral developing into a mass demonstration against the government in Havana. The only people permitted to attend were Mr Zapata’s immediate family, his friends and a few political supporters. Initial refusals by the authorities to permit a funeral service in the town were eventually withdrawn.
 
The death of the 42-year-old dissident has prompted several angry international reactions. Spanish Prime Minister José Zapatero called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Cuba. His request came one day after a similar demand by the United States and the European Union.
 
Amnesty International lists Mr Zapata as one of 58 political prisoners in Cuba. The Cuban Human Rights Commission puts the number at about 200. Cuba denies holding any such prisoners.