April 3, 2026, 8:24 a.mApril 3, 2026, 8:24 a.m
Shortly before Easter, the Cuban government said it pardoned more than 2,000 prisoners. The communist government announced on X that it was a humanitarian gesture during Holy Week. Among those pardoned are young people as well as those over 60, women and foreigners. However, sex offenders and murderers, among others, should not be released. The government initially did not provide any further details. It was unclear whether political prisoners were among those pardoned.
The move comes against the backdrop of massive tensions with the USA. The communist island state has been in a severe economic crisis for years, which has been dramatically exacerbated in the last three months by a US oil embargo. Among other things, Washington repeatedly calls for the release of prisoners and has recently increased pressure on Cuba to agree to economic and political changes.
April 2, 2026 in Havana, Cuba: Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel (center) takes part in an event in advance of the “Anti-Imperialist Youth Parade on Wheels”.Image: keystone
Second wave of pardons within a short period of time
Havana had already surprisingly announced the release of 51 prisoners in mid-March – with the indication that this was the result of close contacts with the Vatican. Recently there had been signs of a possible mediating role for the church in the conflict between Havana and Washington.
This is already the second release of prisoners this year in connection with the religious celebrations of Holy Week, it was said from Havana about the renewed pardon. The government did not make any connection to the tensions with Washington.
According to the Cuban government, the decision to pardon is based on a careful analysis of, among other things, the crimes committed, good behavior in prison and the state of health. People who have already served a significant portion of their sentence would be released. (sda/dpa)