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The Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez, stated that the release of 51 prisoners announced this Thursday by the regime reflects its "spirit of goodwill" and the relationship between the Cuban state and the Vatican.
Without acknowledging the pressures the government is currently facing, the chancellor explained on social media platform X that the releases will occur in the coming days and are part of "a decision made by the Cuban government."
"In the spirit of goodwill and close, fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Holy See, the Government of Cuba has decided to release 51 individuals sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days," wrote Rodríguez.
The diplomat added that this is a common practice of the country's criminal justice system and linked it to what he described as the "humanitarian trajectory of the Revolution."
Rodríguez also pointed out that the measure coincides with the upcoming religious celebrations of Holy Week; however, he did not mention why there are hundreds of political prisoners on the island.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry also disseminated the announcement through its official channels, reiterating that the decision is made within the context of relations between Havana and the Vatican.
The announcement comes amid repeated demands from human rights organizations and international politicians calling for the release of political prisoners on the island.
So far, the Cuban authorities have not specified whether any of the 51 people to be released include opposition members or protesters imprisoned for political reasons.
The decision comes at a time of intense pressure on the Cuban regime from the United States, which is trying to accelerate changes in the political and economic model of the Caribbean nation, currently experiencing one of its worst crises.
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