Cuba will free 2,010 prisoners as part of a 'humanitarian and sovereign gesture,' it announced on Thursday, facing ongoing political pressure from the US.
Included in this release are foreign nationals, young individuals, women, and those aged over 60, as stated by the Cuban embassy in the US.
The government noted that the releases coincide with the religious celebrations of Holy Week, which is a customary practice in the Cuban criminal justice system.
Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has signaled his intention to change Cuba's leadership and has imposed an oil blockade, resulting in fuel shortages and blackouts across the country.
Recently, a Russian-owned tanker carrying an estimated 730,000 barrels of crude oil became the first oil shipment to reach Cuba's ports since January.
According to Human Rights Watch, Cuba currently holds hundreds of political prisoners, with government critics often facing harassment and criminal prosecution.
The embassy mentioned that eligibility for release was determined through careful consideration of offenses, good conduct while in prison, the duration served, and the inmates' health status.
This marks the second time this year that Cuba has announced a prisoner release; in March, 51 prisoners were freed following discussions with the Vatican. Last year, Cuba released 553 individuals as part of an agreement facilitated by the Vatican and the US.
