The vice president of Cuba's Supreme People's Court, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, has announced that the Cuban government has granted early release to 127 prisoners following negotiations with the United States and Vatican mediation. Of these, 121 were released on parole—a probationary supervision of their conduct—and six were granted extrapenal licenses, which are typically given for health reasons or other exceptional circumstances.
During a broadcast on National Television, Sosa Ravelo stated that Cuban courts would continue to assess whether applicants meet the criteria set by the penal execution law. "The courts will continue to review and evaluate whether the requirements of the execution law and the basis of the applications are met," she emphasized, noting that while the regime makes the application, the ultimate decision rests with the judges and the prosecution.
Among those released are several political prisoners, including opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and Luis Robles Elizastigui, as well as participants in the 11J protests, who were freed within the first 36 hours following the agreement. According to the Cuban government, the gradual release of 553 individuals convicted of various offenses will occur under special conditions, meaning the released individuals will remain under surveillance and must fulfill outstanding legal obligations.
Human rights organization Cubalex has begun an independent verification process of the cases, updating the list of those released in real-time. However, the organization's verified number falls significantly short—only around 50 at the time of publication—compared to the government's reported figures.
Although the Cuban government has denied any direct link between the releases and an agreement with the United States, sources from the Biden administration confirmed that the releases are indeed part of a deal in which Cuba agreed to free political prisoners. This arrangement also included removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and suspending Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.
The shift in U.S. policy came after Cuba was placed on the list of state sponsors of terrorism in December 2023. However, in 2024, the Biden administration adopted a more conciliatory stance, facilitating the prisoners' release and a reduction in economic sanctions.
Key Questions about Cuba's Prisoner Releases and International Negotiations
What prompted the release of 127 prisoners in Cuba?
The release of 127 prisoners in Cuba was prompted by negotiations with the United States and mediation by the Vatican, as part of a broader agreement involving the release of political prisoners and changes in international relations.
Who were some of the notable prisoners released?
Among the notable prisoners released were opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and activist Luis Robles Elizastigui, along with participants in the 11J protests.
How has the Biden administration's policy shift affected Cuba?
The Biden administration's more conciliatory approach led to the release of prisoners and eased economic sanctions, after initially placing Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.