Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel described the recent release of 553 prisoners as a "routine practice" on social media this Tuesday. This follows negotiations with the United States and Vatican intervention, after Cuba was removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. "As is customary in our legal system, we made the unilateral and sovereign decision to grant freedom to 553 individuals convicted of various offenses," Díaz-Canel stated on the social platform X, without specifying how many of those released are political prisoners among the more than a thousand incarcerated.
Vatican's Role in Prisoner Release
Díaz-Canel emphasized the Vatican's involvement in the recent prisoner release, characterizing this action as indicative of the "close and fluid" relationship between Cuba and the Holy See. He also highlighted the influence of Pope Francis in this agreement. "In line with the close and fluid relations with the Vatican State, I informed Pope Francis of this decision in the spirit of the 2025 Ordinary Jubilee declared by His Holiness, which has just begun," Díaz-Canel expressed, acknowledging the significance of this "gesture" within the religious celebration's context.
Cuban Regime's Announcement
The Cuban regime announced on Tuesday the release of 553 sentenced individuals as part of an agreement reached through negotiations with the United States and the Vatican's mediation. An official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) stated that this decision aligns with the 2025 Ordinary Jubilee, declared by Pope Francis, and, according to the island's government, underscores the supposed "humanitarian and just" nature of its judicial system.
Criticism from Cuban-American Lawmakers
Cuban-American congress members Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, and María Elvira Salazar condemned President Joe Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism as a betrayal. According to these politicians, despite the release of over 500 prisoners, the current U.S. president's decision strengthens the Castro regime and betrays the Cuban people.
Impact of Cuba's Prisoner Release
Why did Cuba release 553 prisoners?
Cuba released 553 prisoners as part of a negotiation with the United States and the mediation of the Vatican, following the island's exclusion from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
What is the significance of the Vatican's involvement in the prisoner release?
The Vatican's involvement highlights the close and fluid relations between Cuba and the Holy See, with Pope Francis playing a significant role in the agreement leading to the release.
How did Cuban-American lawmakers react to the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list?
Cuban-American lawmakers criticized the decision as a betrayal, arguing it strengthens the Castro regime and betrays the Cuban people, despite the release of over 500 prisoners.