Cuba pardons 2,010 prisoners in ‘humanitarian’ gesture amid US pressure

People ride past the US embassy in Havana during an anti-imperialist youth march on Thursday.

Photo: AP Cuba’s government announced on Thursday that it was pardoning 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian” gesture during Holy Week, after pledging in March to release dozens amid heightened US pressure on Havana.

The major announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude to the fuel-starved island.

The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba’s system of government and the US president has mused about “taking” the island.

But the two sides have also held talks recently. “It seems not far-fetched to think that this is a sign that some of the conversation between both governments is advancing.

Perhaps slowly, but advancing.

To where?

Unclear,” Michael Bustamante, chair of Cuban studies at the University of Miami, said. “I think we will also have to see who is included in these releases to have a sense of their potential political significance,” he said.

A Russian tanker that delivered crude to the fuel-starved island this week.

Photo: AP Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba.

The Cuban government did not identify those who were pardoned nor say what crimes they had committed or when they would be set free.

The presidency said in a statement that the “humanitarian and sovereign gesture” was based on the nature of the crimes, good behaviour in prison, health reasons and time served.

It said the individuals being freed include young people, women and prisoners over 60 years old who are scheduled for early release within the next six months to a year.

The government previously announced on March 12 that it would free 51 prisoners as a sign of “good will” towards the Vatican, which has often acted as a mediator between Washington and Havana.

A day later, President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed that talks had taken place between US and Cuban officials.

The Cuban presidency said Thursday that it was the fifth time since 2011 that it had pardoned prisoners, amounting to more than 11,000 people.

It said the decision was “taking place within the context of the religious observances of Holy Week – a customary practice within our criminal justice system and a reflection of the humanitarian legacy of the Revolution”.

Foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad are among those being pardoned, the presidency said.

The

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