Cuban Opposition Group to Pick Up Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

The Ladies in White won the prize in 2005, but were not not allowed to leave Cuba to collect it

Members of the Cuban opposition group Ladies in White are due to collect the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in Brussels.

They were awarded the prize by the European Parliament in 2005, but Cuba barred them from leaving the communist-run island to collect it.

The abolition of exit permits by the Cuban government in January has made it possible for the women to travel.

They were given the prize for their campaign to free 75 jailed dissidents.