Cuba announced on Saturday morning, April 3, that it plans to release 2,010 prisoners, describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” amid ongoing pressure from the United States.
The announcement was shared by the Cuban Embassy in the U.S. via social media, with officials linking the decision to the observance of Holy Week rather than directly addressing tensions with Washington.
Authorities said those eligible for release include foreign nationals, Cubans living abroad, young people, women, and older adults. The selection is based on factors such as good behavior, time already served, the severity of offenses, and inmates’ health conditions.
No timeline has been given for the releases, and officials have not specified the crimes committed by those affected. It also remains unclear whether individuals detained during protests are among those included.
Although Cuban officials deny the existence of political prisoners, the rights group Prisoners Defended reports that more than 1,200 people are currently held on political grounds.
The development comes as the administration of Donald Trump increases economic pressure on the island, including an effective oil blockade that has worsened fuel shortages and strained the economy.
Washington has continued to call for political and economic reforms in Cuba, though the specifics of those demands have not been fully disclosed. The U.S. has also indicated that any easing of sanctions would depend on significant changes by the Cuban government.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Cuba must undertake major reforms to qualify for sanctions relief, emphasizing that the country’s economic difficulties are closely tied to its political system.
