There is joy among families of those freed, but also concern that the deal may not last for long.

Ferrer, the leader of the dissident organization Patriotic Union of Cuba, had previously been in prison because of his political opposition to the communist government.

Cuban dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told Reuters on Thursday he had been released from jail and was at home, part of a Cuban government plan negotiated with the Vatican to release upwards of 500 prisoners from the island`s prisons.