Despite initially claiming that the promise to release 553 prisoners was a unilateral decision influenced by an agreement with the Vatican, the Cuban regime has ceased these releases since last Monday, according to independent organizations.
Following former U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to reinstate Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, Havana has not freed any additional prisoners, as evidenced by reports from the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights and Cubalex.
Cuban Bishop Eloy Ricardo Domínguez, who has played a pivotal role in negotiations concerning political prisoners, assured Reuters that the prisoner release process in Cuba would continue regardless of the U.S. decision. "The release process will not stop," he stated, indicating that the agreement with the Catholic Church would persist.
Nonetheless, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights has observed an apparent halt in the process. Additionally, Reuters has spoken to several released individuals who voiced concerns that, although the Cuban government does not publicly acknowledge it, the agreement included easing sanctions on Cuba in exchange for releasing political prisoners.
So far, Cuban authorities have released around 150 prisoners, roughly a quarter of the promised 553, according to reports from human rights groups. Most of those freed were involved in the protests on July 11 and 12, 2021, which were the largest since 1959.
In his early days in office, Trump signed a decree reversing the removal of Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list, a measure initially taken at the end of Joe Biden's administration as part of an effort to ease sanctions on the island.
The Cuban government has not provided details on the impact of Trump's decision on the release process, and official information remains scarce. However, the lists have remained unchanged since Monday night. The regime described Trump's action as a display of "the aggressiveness of American imperialism."
Frequently Asked Questions About Political Prisoner Releases in Cuba
Why was Cuba reinstated on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism?
Cuba was reinstated on the list as part of a policy shift by the Trump administration, citing concerns over its support for international terrorism.
What was the agreement between Cuba and the Vatican?
The agreement involved Cuba's commitment to release 553 political prisoners, influenced by negotiations with the Vatican and potentially linked to easing of international sanctions.
How many prisoners has Cuba released so far?
As of now, Cuba has released about 150 prisoners, a small portion of the initially promised 553.