Cuba has commenced the process of releasing the first wave of prisoners from a large group detained during anti-government protests in 2021, under a deal facilitated by the Vatican and the United States.
Cuba Initiates Release of Anti-Government Protesters Amid US Agreement
Cuba Initiates Release of Anti-Government Protesters Amid US Agreement
Cuba begins the release of imprisoned protesters following a significant pact with the United States.
In an agreement that culminated shortly before President Joe Biden's term ended, Cuba pledged to release 553 individuals in exchange for being removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. The first releases began this week, with at least 20 prisoners set free, including notable figures such as Donaida Pérez Paseiro and Dariel Cruz García, both of whom faced severe sentences related to the protests against food shortages and rising prices on the island.
Donaida expressed that the Cuban government used the imprisoned individuals as "bargaining chips" for political leverage while Dariel, now back with his family, conveyed a sense of relief. The Cuban government clarified that the released individuals are not fully pardoned and could face re-arrest for any parole violations. With many families still in suspense over the fate of their loved ones, the situation remains tense as new leadership in the US may threaten the fragile agreement.
Donaida expressed that the Cuban government used the imprisoned individuals as "bargaining chips" for political leverage while Dariel, now back with his family, conveyed a sense of relief. The Cuban government clarified that the released individuals are not fully pardoned and could face re-arrest for any parole violations. With many families still in suspense over the fate of their loved ones, the situation remains tense as new leadership in the US may threaten the fragile agreement.
