Cuba to free more than 2,000 prisoners as economic crisis deepens under US pressure | CNN

Cuba’s government will free 2,010 prisoners in the largest such release in years, it announced Thursday, as the island buckles under increasing pressure from the Trump administration. The government decided to grant its pardon based on the inmates’ good conduct, their health status, and the nature of their “acts committed,” according to the notice in Granma, the ruling Communist Party’s official newspaper. It added that the prisoners included young people, women, people above 60 years old, and foreigners. The list does not include prisoners who committed crimes such as murder, homicide, sexual assault or “crimes against authority.” Cuba regularly detains and targets dissidents, including activists, journalists, protesters and political opponents, according to Human Rights Watch. Havana has previously conducted sweeping prisoner releases as part of deals with international parties – for instance, in early 2025, Cuba released 553 prisoners after negotiations with the US and the Vatican, in which the Biden administration pledged to ease sanctions on the island. US President Donald Trump rescinded the deal after taking office – prompting Cuba to temporarily pause the