Cuba has begun releasing 2,010 prisoners, a move described by state-run media as a 'humanitarian gesture' coinciding with Holy Week. The amnesty comes amidst heightened pressure from the US government, which has imposed an oil blockade causing widespread blackouts and civilian suffering.
Key Takeaways
Cuba has begun releasing 2,010 prisoners as part of a sweeping amnesty announced by the government. The move comes amid heightened pressure from the US and coincides with Holy Week.
- Cuba releases over 2,000 prisoners in a humanitarian gesture ahead of Holy Week
- Prisoners were released based on good behavior, time served, health status, and nature of crimes committed
- Those convicted of serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, drug-related crimes excluded from the release
- The move comes as Cuba faces intense pressure from Trump administration's oil blockade
The Cuban government stated that pardons were granted based on factors such as good behavior in prison, significant time served, health status, and nature of crimes committed. Those excluded include individuals convicted of serious offenses like murder, sexual assault, drug-related crimes, theft, robbery with violence, repeat offenders, and those previously pardoned who committed new crimes.
This is the second prisoner release this year following a March announcement to free 51 inmates under an agreement with the Vatican. The move comes as Cuba faces intense pressure from Trump administration's oil blockade and ongoing negotiations between Havana and Washington. Human rights groups estimate hundreds of political prisoners are held in Cuban jails, though government denies this.
The prisoner release is part of a series of amnesties since 2011 totaling over 11,000. The announcement follows Cuba's invitation to the US to help overhaul its crippled economy as part of ongoing negotiations. Analysts suggest this could be a sign of advancing talks between two governments.
The Cuban government has consistently rejected any suggestion it makes decisions under US pressure. However, the timing of Thursday’s announcement coincides with the most intense pressure campaign applied by Washington in decades. The release includes young people, women, older adults, as well as foreign nationals and Cuban citizens who live abroad but were imprisoned on the island.
Reuters reported that a steady stream of men and women could be seen leaving La Lima prison in Guanabacoa, just outside Havana. Several prisoners released were convicted of common crimes ranging from theft to bribery, with none involved in political anti-government protests. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, based in Madrid and funded by the US government, reported that by noon Friday it had yet to register the release of any so-called 'prisoners of conscience.'
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