In a move announced as part of a large-scale pardon, the Cuban government released three American citizens serving sentences for common crimes on the island this past Saturday. This pardon, which was unveiled on Friday, involves the release of 2,010 prisoners.
According to reliable sources cited by Martí Noticias, the released Americans were not political prisoners but were serving time for ordinary offenses. Journalist Mario J. Pentón shared on social media that their release was part of this amnesty declared by the Cuban regime.
As of the latest reports, the news outlet had not yet acquired the identities of the three individuals nor received confirmation from the U.S. Department of State regarding their potential return to the United States. The newsroom had reached out to U.S. authorities for further information.
Journalists from AFP and CNN observed the release of several inmates from La Lima prison in Havana, confirming that the process of freeing prisoners is actively underway.
The Pardon and Its Implications
Announced on Friday, the pardon is supported by Article 90, Section II of the Cuban Constitution, and is framed as a humanitarian gesture in observance of Easter Week.
The pardon favors 2,010 individuals, with priority given to young people, women, seniors over 60, individuals nearing the end of their sentences, those with health issues, and foreigners or Cubans living abroad.
To date, Cuban authorities have not issued an official list of those pardoned, nor have they provided details about their criminal records or the offenses they were convicted of, which adds a layer of opacity to the proceedings.
Exclusions and Criticism
Explicitly excluded from the pardon are those convicted of crimes against authority—charges frequently levied against protesters and political dissidents—leaving the majority of those imprisoned on July 11, 2021, and other prisoners of conscience out of consideration.
Pentón emphasized that, according to consulted NGOs, no political prisoners have been released thus far.
Human rights organizations have criticized the pardon for this reason. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights has called for the release of all political prisoners.
José Daniel Ferrer accused the regime of using the pardon to alleviate pressure, while Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar declared that such actions deceive no one.
Historical Context of Pardons
The initial releases began on Saturday at La Lima prison in Havana, concerning individuals convicted of ordinary crimes like theft or bribery.
This marks the fifth such pardon since 2011 and the second in 2026. Notably, in March, the regime released 51 prisoners following discussions with the Vatican, though independent organizations report that only 19 to 27 of these were political prisoners.
In January 2025, 553 prisoners were freed as part of negotiations with the United States and mediation by the Holy See.
Prisoners Defenders reported 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026, while Justicia 11J estimated at least 760, including 358 detained for the July 11 protests.
With over 11,000 individuals benefitting from five pardons since 2011, the regime continues a pattern of selective gestures toward the international community without yielding on political prisoner issues, whose existence it persistently denies.
Understanding the Cuban Pardon
What is the significance of the Cuban government's mass pardon?
The mass pardon, involving the release of 2,010 prisoners, is presented as a humanitarian gesture during Easter Week. However, it excludes political prisoners, drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
Why were the three American prisoners released?
The three American citizens were released as part of a broader amnesty by the Cuban government, although they were not political prisoners. Their release is part of a gesture that includes many others convicted of common crimes.
How have human rights organizations reacted to the pardon?
Human rights organizations have criticized the pardon for excluding political prisoners and have demanded their release, arguing that the gesture does not address the root issues of political imprisonment in Cuba.