Ladies in White opposition activists held in Havana

Cuban police have arrested dozens of opposition activists from the protest group Ladies in White, who are demanding the release of political prisoners.

Many were stopped as they staged their silent weekly protest march along an avenue in the capital, Havana.

The detentions come just a week before Pope Benedict is due in Cuba. During his visit he is expected to raise the issue of human rights with the Communist government.

Sarah Rainsford reports.