Reactions to the announcement of the pardon for over 2,000 sanctioned individuals in Cuba have also emerged from the artistic community, with critiques pointing to possible political intentions behind the measure.
The comedian Ulises Toirac noted that the number of released individuals reflects something broader and questioned the exclusions. “2000 is not just any number. It corresponds to something greater,” he stated, while warning about potential irregularities in the selection of those who benefitted.
Regarding the so-called crimes against authority, he remarked in the comments section: "that’s where I think the selective trap lies."
For his part, the singer Manolín "El médico de la salsa" was more emphatic in denouncing the measure as part of a strategy by the regime.
"Manipulating and deceiving. Stretching the strip, the house specialty," he stated, asserting that this type of decision seeks to prolong their stay in power.
The artist also stated that these actions respond to moments of pressure on the government and do not represent a real solution.
“Simulating, confusing, manipulating, deceiving, but they do not release those they need to free,” he said, referring to the political prisoners.
Critics align with the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who accused the regime of attempting to “get out of the bind it is in” with this pardon and questioned whether it would include figures such as Félix Navarro, Maikel Osorbo, or Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara.
"Is it about freeing or releasing prisoners who are dying of hunger and illness while continuing to imprison people for political reasons?" Ferrer asked, insisting that the measure does not address the underlying situation in the country.
The Cuban government announced this Thursday the release of 2,010 individuals as part of a pardon approved under the prison benefit provisions outlined in the law.
According to the official version, the decision is based on an analysis that considered the behavior of the inmates, the time served of their sentences, the nature of the crimes committed, and their health status.
The beneficiaries include young people, women, adults over 60 years old, foreigners, and Cubans residing abroad, while those excluded are individuals who have committed serious crimes, as well as repeat offenders and habitual offenders.
The announcement, made in the context of Holy Week, has sparked extensive debate about its actual scope, particularly regarding political prisoners, whose inclusion has not been confirmed by the authorities.
Filed under: