Cuba announced that it will release 2,010 prisoners as part of a pardon approved under Article 90(II) of the Constitution. The government described the release as a humanitarian gesture aligned with Holy Week.

The government stated that the decision followed a formal review process. The review considered the nature of the offenses, behavior while incarcerated, the portion of the sentence served, and the health of the individuals. Those granted release include women, young adults, seniors aged 60 or older, foreign nationals, and Cuban citizens living abroad. The list of released individuals has not been made public.

Certain categories of prisoners were excluded, including those “convicted of sexual assault, violent pedophilia, murder, homicide, [and] drug-related offenses.” Prisoners charged with crimes against authority, often applied to political prisoners, were also excluded. Cuba maintains that no political prisoners are held, but independent organizations report that over 1,200 individuals have been detained under charges often considered political.

The announcement comes amid ongoing US pressure on Cuba, including an executive order issued on January 29, 2026, that restricts Cuba’s access to imported oil and authorizes tariffs on third countries supplying fuel. UN human rights experts have characterized the measure as unilateral economic coercion with extraterritorial effects that could endanger services in Cuba, such as electricity, water, healthcare, food, and transportation. Cuba also condemned US threats of intervention and economic pressure, calling them attempts to destabilize the country and seize control of its resources.