Cuba begins prisoner release after mass pardon: over 2000 immates released

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
April 4, 2026
3 min read

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Cuba released over 2,000 prisoners following a mass presidential pardon.

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Cuba has released over 2,000 inmates following a mass pardon announced by the government, marking a significant reduction in the country's prison population. The prisoner release represents one of the largest clemency actions in recent Cuban history, though the government has not publicly detailed the criteria used to select those freed or the specific charges they faced. The move could ease overcrowding in Cuban prisons, a longstanding issue documented by human rights organizations, and may signal a shift in the country's criminal justice approach. It remains unclear whether the pardons include political prisoners or are limited to those convicted of common crimes. The release comes amid broader questions about Cuba's detention practices and international pressure regarding human rights.

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