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Cuba announces mass prisoner release
Cuba will free 2,010 prisoners as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture," its government announced on Thursday, amid ongoing political and economic pressure from the United States.
The Cuban embassy in Washington stated the release aligns with Holy Week traditions in the country's criminal justice system. Those set free include foreign nationals, young people, women, and individuals over 60.
Eligibility and criteria
The embassy said the decision followed a "careful analysis" of each prisoner's offense, conduct in detention, time served, and health conditions. This marks the second prisoner release in Cuba this year, after 51 were freed in March following discussions with the Vatican.
In 2025, Cuba released 553 prisoners as part of a deal brokered by the Vatican and the U.S. However, human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, estimate hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated, with critics facing harassment and prosecution.
US-Cuba tensions escalate
Since returning to office, U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to undermine Cuba's Communist leadership. His administration has blocked oil shipments to the island, deepening fuel shortages and triggering widespread blackouts.
Last week, a Russian-owned tanker carrying 730,000 barrels of crude docked in Cuba-the first such shipment since January. Trump stated he had "no problem" with the delivery, despite his broader opposition to foreign oil reaching the island.
Trump has repeatedly suggested the U.S. could use military force to install a pro-Washington regime in Havana. Meanwhile, Cuba's government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has engaged in talks with the Trump administration, though both sides have outlined rigid political and economic demands that complicate negotiations.
Economic crisis deepens
The fuel shortages have crippled Cuba's healthcare system, with the World Health Organization warning last week that hospitals are struggling to maintain emergency and intensive care services. Rolling blackouts have left millions without power, sparking rare public protests.
Russia announced on Thursday it would send a second oil tanker to Cuba, providing enough fuel to sustain the economy for several weeks. Venezuela, once a key oil supplier under preferential terms, has reduced shipments following U.S. threats of tariffs on nations aiding Cuba.
Regional ripple effects
Trump's focus on Cuba has intensified since the U.S. detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. Venezuela's interim government has since released some political prisoners-a key U.S. demand-but rights groups report only a third of those promised have been freed.
"The release is a positive step, but hundreds of political prisoners remain unjustly detained," a Human Rights Watch spokesperson said.
