Cuba Begins Release of Anti-Government Protesters Following US Pact

The Cuban government has initiated the release of prisoners, including those detained during the 2021 anti-government protests, in line with a pact facilitated by the Catholic Church and the US.

Cuba has commenced the release of initial prisoners from a larger group of 553 incarcerated individuals following a Vatican-mediated agreement with the United States. This development coincides with President Joe Biden's decision just before leaving office to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move intended to foster diplomatic relations.

The release includes individuals like 53-year-old Donaida Pérez Paseiro, who had faced an eight-year sentence for her involvement in the protests aimed at addressing the country’s ongoing food shortages and rising prices. In a social media recording, she described her and other prisoners' situation as being used as "bargaining chips" in the negotiations.

Another released prisoner, Dariel Cruz García, experienced a reduction in his original 15-year sedition sentence. He expressed relief at returning home, declaring, "I escaped from hell to be with my family."

Cuba's vice-president of the highest court, Maricela Sosa, clarified that those released did not receive formal pardons and cautioned that any breach of parole could result in re-arrest. As the release unfolds, many families are still waiting for news about their loved ones amidst an atmosphere of uncertainty.

The situation is further complicated as officials from the incoming Trump administration, including Marco Rubio, have hinted at the possibility of reversing recent Cuba policy changes. This has left many questioning the permanence of the current diplomatic developments.

With anticipation high, families are holding onto hope that their imprisoned relatives will be included in the government’s release agreement, revealing the poignant struggles faced by those affected by the protests and subsequent crackdowns.