Cuban authorities announced the release of 2,010 prisoners on Thursday, coinciding with Holy Week, amid economic and political pressures.
Cuba Releases Over 2,000 Prisoners
Cuban authorities announced the release of 2,010 prisoners on Thursday, coinciding with Holy Week. The announcement was made by Cuban state media.
The release is described as a “humanitarian and sovereign gesture” aligned with the religious observances of Holy Week, according to an official statement.
Criteria for Release
The decision was based on a “careful analysis of the nature of the crimes committed by those convicted, their good behavior in prison, having served a significant portion of their sentence, and their health condition,” the statement explained.
Those granted clemency include “young people, women, people over 60 years of age,” as well as “foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad.” The specific crimes for which they were convicted were not disclosed.
Economic and Political Context
The prisoner release comes during a deepening economic and humanitarian crisis in Cuba, coupled with increasing pressure from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Response to U.S. Pressure
The Cuban government consistently rejects suggestions that its decisions are made under pressure from the United States.
Recent Releases and Prisoner Count
In March, Cuba released 51 prisoners under an agreement with the Vatican.
Human rights organization Prisoners Defended estimates that approximately 1,200 people are imprisoned on the island for political reasons, a claim the Cuban government denies.
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