The Cuban government announced it will release 2,010 prisoners, describing the move as a “humanitarian and sovereign gesture.”
State-run outlet Granma reported Thursday that those pardoned were selected based on factors including age, behavior, and the portion of their sentences already served.
“That is why the total number of those released includes young people, women, adults over 60 years of age, those who reach the end of early release in the last six months and next year, as well as foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad,” the government said in a statement translated from Spanish.
The island government did not disclose the specific crimes committed by those set to be released, nor did the statement reference U.S. sanctions on the island.
However, the government emphasized that those granted clemency do not include individuals convicted of violent or serious offenses, including sexual assault, murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery, corruption of minors, or repeat offenses.
Authorities framed the mass release as part of Holy Week, calling it consistent with the “humanitarian trajectory of the Revolution.” No timeline was provided for when the prisoners will be freed.
The move marks Cuba’s second prisoner release this year. Last month, officials said 51 inmates would be freed as a goodwill gesture toward the Vatican.
In January 2025, the Cuban government released 553 prisoners following talks with the Vatican, a day after the Biden administration announced its intent to lift the island’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
It remains unclear whether the latest release was discussed in recent negotiations between U.S. and Cuban officials.
The State Department said it would continue to push for the release of additional detainees.
“We’re aware of reports of a forthcoming prisoner release, though it is unclear how many, if any, political prisoners will be released,” a State Department official said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “We continue to call for the immediate release of the hundreds of other brave Cuban patriots who remain unjustly detained.”
The announcement comes as Cuba faces mounting pressure from the United States, with officials in Washington tying engagement to demands for political reform.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly signaled interest in Cuba’s future, in many instances saying “Cuba is next” amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Meanwhile, the island continues to grapple with a deepening energy crisis. In recent months, the U.S. embargo has nearly eliminated fuel supplies to the island, contributing to repeated nationwide blackouts.
In recent weeks, Cuba has begun receiving humanitarian shipments, including fuel deliveries.
The Trump administration eased restrictions to allow a Russian oil tanker to deliver fuel earlier this week, with a second tanker reportedly en route.
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Trump said Sunday he does not oppose such shipments, telling reporters he has no issue “whether it’s Russia or not,” adding that “they need [it] — they have to survive.”
He appeared to further soften his rhetoric on the crisis, saying he would “prefer letting [fuel] in, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, because the people need heat and cooling and all of the other things that you need.”
