American journalist grills Raúl Castro at historic press conference in Cuba

A CNN correspondent challenged Cuban President Raul Castro over the issue of political prisoners during a joint press conference with President Barack Obama.

Jim Acosta aggressively questioned Castro over why Cuba has political prisoners.

"Give me the list now of political prisoners to release, Castro said, responding testily to Acosta. "If there are political prisoners, they'll be free before nightfall."

He added later, "It's not correct to ask me about political prisoners in general."

Castro rarely is subjected to aggressive questioning by the state-controlled Cuban press and does not often take questions independent foreign reporters.

Human rights activists say dozens of political prisoners are still held in Cuban prisons.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The joint press conference came during Obama's history-making trip to Cuba, the first by a U.S. president in 88 years. The trip reflects a new era of engagement between the two nations, as Obama and Castro each expressed on Monday. But it also showed that deep divisions remain.

Obama said Monday that he and Castro had a "frank and candid" conversation about human rights and democracy, and that he was confident that if Cuba made progress on those fronts it would help convince Cuba to lift the trade embargo. 

"What we did for 50 years did not serve our interests or the interests of the American people," Obama said during the joint press conference at the Palace of the Revolution.

"Much more can be done," between Cuba and the United States, "if the embargo is lifted," Castro said.

"We recognize the position President Obama is in, and the position his government holds against the blockade, and that they have called on Congress to lift it," he added.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Castro said that sweeping differences "that will not disappear" remain over "our political model, democracy, human rights, social justice, international relations, peace and stability."

The Cuban leader also questioned how the United States does not provide health care, food and education for all its people.

"We are opposed to the manipulation and the double standard that’s used" when it comes to human rights," Castro said. "Cuba has a lot to offer on this issue."

Obama suggested he was open to Cuba's concerns, saying he welcomed Castro commenting on "some of the areas where he feels that we're falling short."

"I think we should not be immune or afraid of criticism or discussion as well," Obama said.

Later on Monday, Obama will participate in a meeting between U.S. and Cuban business leaders, before attending a state dinner hosted by Castro.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.