The Cuban government announced on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, the release of 2,010 people deprived of liberty as a humanitarian gesture during Holy Week. The measure excludes those who committed crimes against authority, charges commonly applied to political prisoners. No list of beneficiaries has been published, preventing verification of inclusions.
The announcement came on the evening of Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026, amid Holy Week religious celebrations. The government called it a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture", following review of offense nature, prison behavior, sentence time served, and health conditions. Those released include individuals nearing early release ends, foreigners, and Cubans residing abroad.
The Cuban State specified it will not free those convicted of "crimes against authority", a category routinely used for political prisoners. Officials deny holding any political prisoners, though the non-governmental organization Prisoners Defenders reports over 1,200.
This marks the largest recent release, exceeding the prior two. On March 12, 2026, 51 people were freed, a day before Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed talks with the Trump administration amid bilateral tensions.
No beneficiary list has been released yet, raising questions on process transparency and potential inclusion of political prisoners.
