The 23-year-old political prisoner, Dariel Cruz, is among the 553 detainees the Cuban regime agreed to release following negotiations involving the Vatican and the United States. Residing in the Güinera neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, Cruz endured nearly three years behind bars for his involvement in the historic July 2021 protests in Cuba. Initially sentenced to 15 years for "sedition," Cruz was seen walking alongside his mother through the neighborhood streets on Wednesday, warmly welcomed by neighbors and friends. A particularly touching moment was his reunion with his grandmother.
"They called my mom at night to say I was free," Cruz shared in an interview with Telemundo. When asked about his feelings, he responded, "How do you think it feels to leave hell and be with my family and daughter? I'm calm now. I feel happy and at peace, determined to move forward," he expressed.
Although his original sentence remains intact, the authorities have informed him that he can serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Wave of Political Prisoner Releases in Cuba
Within the first 36 hours of the agreement between the Cuban regime, the United States, and the Vatican, a total of 28 political prisoners, including José Daniel Ferrer, Luis Robles Elizástigui, and other 11J protesters, have been released. On January 14, 2025, the Cuban government announced a gradual release plan for 553 individuals serving various sentences. According to a government statement, these releases come with special conditions, allowing the released individuals to remain under surveillance with ongoing legal commitments, such as temporary parole licenses.
Cubalex, an organization focusing on human rights advocacy, is independently verifying each confirmed case. Despite being released, these individuals are not entirely free, as they continue to face other legal obligations under specific conditions, as highlighted by Cubalex.
Understanding the Political Prisoner Release in Cuba
What prompted the release of political prisoners in Cuba?
The release of political prisoners in Cuba was prompted by negotiations involving the Vatican and the United States, leading to an agreement with the Cuban regime.
How many political prisoners have been released under this agreement?
In the first 36 hours following the agreement, 28 political prisoners were released, with a total of 553 planned to be released gradually.
Are the released prisoners completely free?
No, the released prisoners are not completely free as they must comply with certain legal obligations and remain under specific conditions.