Cuba yields to Vatican, releases 214 prisoners
As a result of the Holy See's intervention in Cuba, the authorities in Havana have released 214 prisoners. However, only a small group of opposition members were included. In total, the Vatican interceded on behalf of 553 detainees.
The majority of those being released are prisoners convicted of common crimes.
The Cuban authorities have allowed only four opposition members, who were arrested during the 11th July 2021 protests, to leave prison. The participants in these demonstrations protested against the worsening living conditions on the island.
Their release is conditional. They must adhere to the regime's rules, including a ban on contacting the media and using social networks. The released opposition activists were serving 10 to 15 years in prison.
Cuba reluctantly reacts to Vatican pressure
The release of the prisoners, for whom the Holy See interceded, began in mid-January. This was preceded by Cuba's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden.
It is estimated that the number of political prisoners under the regime in Havana has decreased only slightly in recent weeks. In total, there are about 1,150 of them in Cuba.
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