HAVANA, April 3 (V7N) – Cuba’s government announced Thursday it was pardoning 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian” gesture to mark Easter, days after pledging to release dozens amid heightened US pressure on Havana.  

The announcement comes shortly after US President Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude to the fuel-starved island. While Washington has demanded political reforms and prisoner releases, the two sides have also held recent talks.  

The Cuban presidency said those freed include young people, women, and prisoners over 60 scheduled for early release within six to twelve months. Foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad are among them, though no identities were disclosed.  

“This humanitarian and sovereign gesture was based on a careful analysis of the nature of the crimes committed, their good conduct in prison, the fact they had served a significant portion of their sentences, and their state of health,” the presidency said.  

The government stressed that those convicted of murder, sexual assault, drug-related crimes, theft, illegal livestock slaughter, and crimes against authority would not be included.  

The move follows Cuba’s announcement weeks earlier that it would free 51 prisoners as a goodwill gesture toward the Vatican, which has often mediated between Washington and Havana.  TO

Since 2011, Cuba has pardoned more than 11,000 prisoners, often timed with religious observances. Officials said the latest decision reflects the “humanitarian legacy of the Revolution.”  

The pardons coincided with Russia’s announcement of a second oil shipment to Cuba. Michael Bustamante, chair of Cuban studies at the University of Miami, said the timing suggests possible progress in US-Cuba talks. “It seems not far-fetched to think this is a sign that some of the conversation between both governments is advancing. To where? Unclear,” he told AFP.  

END/WD/RH