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The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel described on social media this Tuesday the release of 553 prisoners as a “usual practice” following negotiations with the United States and mediation by the Vatican, after the island was removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
“As is customary in our legal framework, we made the unilateral and sovereign decision to grant freedom to 553 individuals sanctioned for various offenses,” stated Díaz-Canel on the social network X, without clarifying how many would be political prisoners among the more than one thousand incarcerated.
The ruler emphasized the Vatican's involvement in the recent release of prisoners, describing this action as a reflection of the "close and fluid" relations between Cuba and the Holy See.
In his statements, he also emphasized the role of Pope Francis in the context of this agreement.
"As part of the close and fluid relations with the Vatican State, I informed Pope Francis of this decision in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 declared by His Holiness, which has just begun," stated Díaz-Canel, acknowledging the importance of the "gesture" within the context of this religious celebration.
The Cuban regime announced this Tuesday the release of 553 sanctioned individuals, in the context of an agreement reached after negotiations with the United States and mediation by the Vatican.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex), this decision is part of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, declared by Pope Francis, and, according to the island's government, highlights the alleged “humanitarian and just” nature of its judicial system.
Cuban-American congress members Carlos Giménez, Mario Díaz-Balart, and María Elvira Salazar denounced Joe Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism as a betrayal.
According to politicians, despite the release of over 500 prisoners, the decision of the current American president strengthens the Castro regime and betrays the Cuban people.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of Prisoners in Cuba and Its Political Context
Why have 553 prisoners been released in Cuba?
The release of 553 prisoners in Cuba occurred following negotiations with the United States and mediation from the Vatican. The announcement coincides with Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the United States, in a context of close relations with the Vatican.
What is the role of the Vatican in the release of prisoners in Cuba?
The Vatican acted as a mediator in the negotiations that led to the release of prisoners in Cuba. Pope Francis played an important role in this process, within the framework of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, reflecting the "close and fluid" relations between Cuba and the Holy See.
What does it mean for Cuba to be removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism implies the lifting of certain economic sanctions and diplomatic restrictions. This decision was part of an agreement mediated by the Catholic Church, which could pave the way for greater economic cooperation between Cuba and the United States.
What has been the reaction of Cuban American congress members to Joe Biden's decision?
Cuban-American congress members have described Joe Biden's decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism as a "betrayal." They believe this move strengthens the Castro regime and perpetuates the oppression of the Cuban people, in addition to contradicting the previous promises of the Biden administration.
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