Arabic version: كوبا ستطلق سراح أكثر من 2000 سجين في لفتة إنسانية

Cuba has announced the release of 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian and sovereign gesture,” according to BBC News. This decision comes as the government faces continued political pressure from the US. The released individuals will include foreign nationals, young people, women, and those aged over 60.

The Cuban embassy in the US stated that the release coincides with the religious celebrations of Holy Week, a customary practice in the nation’s criminal justice system. The eligibility for release was determined based on a careful analysis of the prisoners’ offenses, their conduct while incarcerated, the length of their sentences served, and their health status.

This marks the second time this year that Cuba has announced a prisoner release, following the release of 51 prisoners in March after discussions with the Vatican. In 2025, Cuba released 553 individuals as part of a deal brokered by the Vatican and the US.

Cuba’s government has faced increasing scrutiny, with reports indicating hundreds of political prisoners are held within its jails. The US has imposed restrictions, including blocking oil shipments to Cuba, leading to significant fuel shortages and blackouts on the island. The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, is in discussions with the Trump administration to address these issues.

In the backdrop of these developments, Russia has committed to sending oil shipments to Cuba, which are crucial for the island’s economy. The ongoing energy crisis and the resulting public dissent highlight the challenges facing Cuba’s leadership as they navigate international pressures and domestic unrest.