Cuba begins prisoner release after mass pardon

## Summary
Advertisement World Cuba begins prisoner release after mass pardon The Cuban government began freeing 2,010 prisoners in a mass pardon for Holy Week. Inmates walk free from La Lima prison in Havana on Apr 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Yamil Lage) 04 Apr 2026 03:28AM (Updated: 04 Apr 2026 03:29AM) Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST HAVANA: Cuban authorities began to free prisoners on Friday (Apr 3) after announcing it would pardon 2,010 inmates, the second release in less than a month as it faces heightened US pressure. More than 20 inmates came out of La Lima penitentiary in east Havana, holding their release papers, crying and hugging relatives who had been waiting for them all morning, AFP journalists said. "Thank you for this opportunity that they gave us," said Albis Gainza, 46, who had served half of a six-year sentence for robbery.

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Cuba begins prisoner release after mass pardon
The Cuban government began freeing 2,010 prisoners in a mass pardon for Holy Week.
Inmates walk free from La Lima prison in Havana on Apr 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Yamil Lage)
04 Apr 2026 03:28AM
(Updated: 04 Apr 2026 03:29AM)
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HAVANA: Cuban authorities began to free prisoners on Friday (Apr 3) after announcing it would pardon 2,010 inmates, the second release in less than a month as it faces heightened US pressure.
More than 20 inmates came out of La Lima penitentiary in east Havana, holding their release papers, crying and hugging relatives who had been waiting for them all morning, AFP journalists said.
"Thank you for this opportunity that they gave us," said Albis Gainza, 46, who had served half of a six-year sentence for robbery.
He said he could not sleep after learning he would be released.
"This needs to keep going ... (and) more are released," Gainza told AFP.
The Cuban government announced late Thursday that it would pardon 2,010 prisoners as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture" to mark Holy Week.
It did not link it to US talks but the move came days after US President Donald Trump
eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba
by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude to the
fuel-starved island
.
The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba's system of government and the US president has mused about "taking" the island.
A inmate (L) greets a relative as he walks free from La Lima prison in Havana on Apr 3, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Yamil Lage)
But the two sides have also held talks recently.
Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba.
The Cuban government did not identify the prisoners nor say what offenses they had committed, but it said the releases would be based on the nature of the crimes, good behaviour, health reasons and time served.
The government said those released would not include people who committed murder, sex assault, drug-related crimes, theft, illegal slaughter of livestock and "crimes against authority."
It said the individuals being freed include young people, women and prisoners over 60 years old who are scheduled for early release within the next six months to a year.
The government previously announced on Mar 12 that it would free 51 prisoners as a sign of "good will" toward the Vatican, which has often acted as a mediator between Washington and Havana.
Related:
Russia will keep helping Cuba, diplomat says after first oil tanker arrives
Trump says 'Cuba is next', denies losing MAGA support
Missing Cuba-bound aid boats located, crew reported safe
Source: AFP/fs
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## Expert Analysis

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### Implications
- He said he could not sleep after learning he would be released. "This needs to keep going ... (and) more are released," Gainza told AFP.
- The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba's system of government and the US president has mused about "taking" the island.
- The government previously announced on Mar 12 that it would free 51 prisoners as a sign of "good will" toward the Vatican, which has often acted as a mediator between Washington and Havana.
- Related: Russia will keep helping Cuba, diplomat says after first oil tanker arrives Trump says 'Cuba is next', denies losing MAGA support Missing Cuba-bound aid boats located, crew reported safe Source: AFP/fs Sign up for our newsletters Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox Subscribe here Get the CNA app Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories Download here Get WhatsApp alerts Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app Join here Related Topics Cuba Donald Trump Advertisement Also worth reading Content is loading...

### Expert Commentary
This article covers cuba, prisoners, fast topics. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 612.