Political situation in Cuba

Cuba releases over 2,000 prisoners ahead of Easter

Cuba has pardoned over 2,000 prisoners ahead of Easter in a humanitarian gesture, AFP reports. According to the government, the release applies to young people, women and people over 60 who should have been released within six to twelve months.

Among those pardoned are also foreigners and Cubans living abroad. The government states that the decision is based on the prisoners' behavior, health and the nature of the crimes.

The release comes at a time when the United States has increased pressure on Cuba by halting oil deliveries. According to researcher Michael Bustamante at the University of Miami, the decision may indicate that talks between the countries are "perhaps slowly, but still" moving forward.


Families reunite as Cuban prisoners are released

Families gather outside the La Lima prison outside Havana, waiting for their relatives to be released, writes AP. Cuba has pardoned over 2,000 prisoners in a “humanitarian gesture” ahead of Easter.

Katia Arias wraps her arms around her 20-year-old son Emilio Alejandro Leyva, whom she has not been able to hug in several years. He was in prison for a robbery.

“It has been so difficult, but today God has given me so much joy,” Arias says through tears.

Leyva’s name had been called that morning, and hours later he was reunited with his mother. It is still unclear how many prisoners have been released during the day.
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