Initial Releases Underway
Reports indicate that on Wednesday, the Cuban government began releasing prisoners, as previously announced, following the US decision to remove Cuba from its list of countries sponsoring terrorism.
The first prisoners to be released include Dariel Cruz García, Lisdiany Rodríguez Isaac, and Donaida Pérez Paseiro. They are considered by major human rights NGOs to be imprisoned for political reasons. Although they have been released, this status is not equivalent to being fully freed.
Relatives of several prisoners summoned to penitentiary centers received the news without explanation, following the government’s announcement of releasing 553 prisoners.
Details Remain Limited
The Cuban government stated that the released individuals were “punished for various crimes.” Havana does not acknowledge the existence of political prisoners in its facilities. No further information has been provided on the release schedule.
The White House announced that releases would begin shortly and that the selected group includes individuals who participated in the anti-government protests of July 11, 2021.
NGOs, including Prisoners Defenders and Justicia 11J, responded to the announcement with skepticism, citing more detainees than the number announced by Havana.
Context of the Release
This is the first release of prisoners in Cuba since 2019, when authorities pardoned 2,604 inmates. In 2015, a total of 3,522 prisoners were released as a humanitarian gesture before Pope Francis’s visit.
The Cuban government’s decision was made following the US decision to remove Havana from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, a classification implemented in 2017 during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Economic Implications of Sanctions
The US designation implies restrictions on arms sales, export control, and foreign aid. The classification has contributed to Cuba’s severe economic crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic and certain failed policies. This crisis includes a significant shortage of basic goods, prolonged blackouts, and widespread dollarization, leading to strong social discontent.
After the US announcement, the Cuban government viewed the decision as a “step in the right direction” but acknowledged it as “very restricted,” given the persistence of multiple economic sanctions.
While the Cuban government welcomes the new US decision, there are concerns that future administrations could potentially reverse it.