Cuba has announced it will pardon more than 2,000 prisoners in what officials described as a “humanitarian” gesture, as pressure from the United States continues to mount.
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According to state media, the Cuban government plans to release 2,010 inmates during the Holy Week period leading up to Easter. The move follows earlier commitments made in March, when authorities pledged to free dozens of prisoners amid ongoing dialogue with Washington.
Cuba Pardons 2,010 People as the US Pressures the Island’s Government | Newsmax
HAVANA (AP) — The Cuban government said Thursday it had pardoned 2,010 people at the same time the Trump administration has placed extreme pressure on the government and suffocated the island with an…
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Officials said the decision was based on several factors, including the nature of the crimes, good conduct in prison, time already served, and the health conditions of inmates. Those eligible for release include young offenders, women, and prisoners over the age of 60, with releases expected to take place gradually over the next six to twelve months.
While Cuban authorities have denied that the move is linked to external pressure, the announcement coincides with one of the most intense pressure campaigns by the United States in recent decades. Washington has long called for the release of political prisoners, while also maintaining strict economic measures, including an oil blockade, against the island nation.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed that talks between U.S. and Cuban officials are ongoing, though no major breakthroughs have been announced so far. Analysts suggest the latest pardon could signal gradual progress in diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Experts also note that the individuals included in the release will determine the broader political significance of the decision. Authorities have clarified that those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, and drug trafficking will not be eligible.
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The mass pardon marks one of several such measures taken by Cuba in recent years, reflecting both humanitarian considerations and evolving diplomatic dynamics.