The Cuban government's recent announcement of pardoning over 2,000 inmates has been met with skepticism from human rights organizations.
Javier Larrondo, president of the NGO Prisoners Defenders, voiced his concerns in a video shared on the social media platform X, highlighting the increasing repression on the island despite the pardon.
"While the Cuban regime is detaining people, they've arrested hundreds across the country just last month, imprisoning many," Larrondo stated.
He explained that the organization is counting "dozens and dozens of new political prisoners in March," which he believes contradicts the government's narrative of clemency.
Questionable Motives Behind the Pardon
The activist strongly criticized what he perceives as a public relations strategy by the regime. "They portray themselves as benevolent, announcing the release of two thousand ten inmates," he said.
A major point of contention for Prisoners Defenders is the explicit exclusion of "crimes against authority," a charge frequently used against dissidents, protesters, and critics.
"They have explicitly excluded crimes against authority, which are the most common among political prisoners, so we have little hope that many political prisoners will be released," Larrondo warned.
Historical Context of Cuban Pardons
Larrondo placed this development within a pattern the Cuban government has followed in recent years. "The world knows last year's release was a sham, and this year's appears no different," he said, while highlighting new repressive actions.
"They're revoking many prisoners... just summoned four from San Antonio de los Baños for defending their friend Denis... we'll see what for," he added.
In this setting, Larrondo cautioned against what he sees as a deliberate attempt at deception by the regime.
"While all of this is happening in Cuba, they're trying to deceive," he stated, emphasizing that independent organizations will remain vigilant.
Evaluating the Real Impact
Although acknowledging that any political prisoner release would be a relief for families, Larrondo expressed doubt about the true extent of the measure.
"If they release some political prisoners, even if few, we must celebrate with their families, but we have little hope that this measure is genuinely significant for the substantial liberation of political prisoners that Cuba needs," he concluded.
The statement from Prisoners Defenders follows the Cuban government's announcement of pardoning 2,010 individuals, under Article 90, Section II of the Constitution.
The official newspaper Granma reported the decision was based on factors like prison conduct, served time, and inmates' health conditions.
Beneficiaries include young people, women, seniors over 60, those nearing the end of their sentences, as well as foreign nationals and Cuban expatriates.
However, those excluded committed serious crimes, are repeat offenders, and notably, those convicted of "crimes against authority."
This exclusion is particularly concerning, as it often targets protesters and dissidents, leaving a significant number of political prisoners ineligible for pardon.
The measure is part of a recurring practice by the regime, having issued at least five pardons since 2011, benefiting over 11,000 people.
In most cases, the releases primarily involved common prisoners, lacking transparency regarding political prisoners, whose existence the government continues to deny.
In March, authorities announced the release of 51 prisoners after Vatican contact, without detailing identities or clarifying the inclusion of political prisoners.
Similarly, in January 2025, they announced the release of 553 inmates amid negotiations with the United States and Vatican mediation.
For Prisoners Defenders, the pattern is evident: release announcements that do not lead to structural changes or genuine openness.
"We'll see what happens," Larrondo concluded, leaving the real impact of a measure shrouded in uncertainty and skepticism.
Understanding the Cuban Pardon Controversy
Why is the pardon announcement in Cuba being criticized?
The announcement is criticized because it excludes "crimes against authority," often used to prosecute political dissidents, thus limiting the release of political prisoners.
What is the response of Prisoners Defenders to the pardon?
Prisoners Defenders views it as a strategic move by the regime to improve its image internationally, while actual repression continues unabated.
How many pardons have been issued by the Cuban regime since 2011?
Since 2011, the Cuban regime has issued at least five pardons, benefiting over 11,000 individuals, mostly common inmates rather than political prisoners.