Cuba announces release of 51 prisoners through Vatican mediation

"In a statement, the government of Miguel Diaz-Canel said that all those slated for release have served a significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison. The statement emphasizes the spirit of goodwill, of close and fluid relations between Cuba and the Pontifical State, with which communication has historically been maintained on the processes of review and release of persons deprived of liberty."

"This sovereign decision, the note continues, is part of the usual practice in our criminal justice system and has characterized the humanitarian trajectory of the Revolution, which this time coincides with the proximity of the religious celebrations of Holy Week."

"The Cuban government claims to have pardoned 9,905 prisoners since 2010 and released another 10,000 people. There are currently 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba, according to the NGO Prisoners Defenders."

The Cuban government announced the release of 51 prisoners in the coming days, facilitated by Vatican mediation. The regime stated that all prisoners have served significant portions of their sentences and maintained good conduct. The government emphasized its close relations with the Vatican and characterized the release as part of its humanitarian trajectory, coinciding with Holy Week celebrations. Cuba claims to have pardoned 9,905 prisoners since 2010 and released 10,000 others. However, 1,214 political prisoners remain in Cuba according to human rights organizations. This announcement follows a previous agreement in January 2025 involving the U.S. and Vatican, though U.S.-Cuba relations deteriorated after Donald Trump's presidency began.

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