Cuba announced the release of over 2,000 prisoners this week, marking the second such amnesty this year. The move, authorized by the government, will see individuals freed over the next six to twelve months.
The pardons prioritize young people, women, and those over 60 years old. Officials described the release as a “humanitarian and sovereign gesture” coinciding with Holy Week.
The announcement follows a period of significant hardship for the island nation, including a crippling energy blockade and fuel shortages. Vatican diplomacy is reportedly gaining traction as Cuba navigates ongoing negotiations with the United States.
The government has not directly linked the release to pressures from U.S. sanctions, but it comes amid a challenging economic climate and ongoing talks.