Cuba to release more than 2,000 prisoners in 'sovereign gesture', as pressure from US mounts
It is the second time this year that Cuba has announced a prisoner release
Cuba will release 2,010 prisoners as part of a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture," it announced on Thursday, amid continuing political pressure from the US.
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Those due to be freed include foreign nationals, young people, women and prisoners aged over 60, according to a statement from the Cuban embassy in Washington.
It said the releases were taking place “in the context of the religious celebrations of Holy Week”, describing it as a customary practice within Cuba’s criminal justice system.
The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Cuba since returning to the White House, making clear his desire for political change on the island and imposing an oil blockade that has worsened fuel shortages and triggered widespread blackouts.
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It also follows the arrival last week of a Russian-owned tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil — the first crude shipment to dock at a Cuban port since early January.
Cuba denies holding political prisoners. However, activist group Prisoners Defended said 1,214 people were jailed for political reasons in Cuba as of February.
The embassy said those selected for release were chosen after “a careful analysis” of factors including the nature of their crimes, good behaviour in prison, time already served and their health.
It is the second prisoner release announced by Cuba this year. In March, 51 prisoners were freed after talks with the Vatican.
Last year, Cuba released 553 people in a deal brokered by the Vatican and the US. The government said Thursday’s move was its fifth mass prisoner release since 2011, adding that more than 11,000 people have been freed over that period.