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Cuba · Geopolitics · Humanitarian · Sanctions
Cuba's government announced the pardon of 2,010 prisoners, including foreigners and Cubans, as a "humanitarian gesture" during Holy Week, while facing extreme pressure from the Trump administration's suffocating oil blockade that has caused severe energy crises on the island.
This release comes as the Trump administration has imposed an oil blockade for months, leading to widespread blackouts and civilian suffering across Cuba. Cuban authorities cited "careful analysis of the characteristics of the crimes committed," "good behavior," "having served a significant portion of their sentence," and "their health status" as reasons for the pardons, denying any political motives despite activist group Prisoners Defended registering 1,214 people imprisoned for political reasons as of February.
This marks the fifth prisoner release since 2011, bringing the total number of freed individuals to over 11,000. Previous pardons include 553 prisoners in January last year amid talks with the Vatican and the Biden administration's intent to lift Cuba's state sponsor of terrorism designation, and 51 people last month due to goodwill with the Vatican.
The announcement follows the U.S. deposition of ex-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and pressure on Venezuela for radical changes, including prisoner releases and amnesty laws.
Cuba Frees 2,010 Prisoners; US Blockade Intensifies(current)
