Havana – In an unexpected move, the Cuban government announced Thursday night it will release 51 prisoners in the coming days. The decision, framed as a gesture of goodwill and stemming from close relations with the Vatican, comes as President Miguel Díaz-Canel prepares for a rare press conference Friday to address national and international issues.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that all those to be released have served a significant portion of their sentences and maintained quality conduct while incarcerated. While the government has not yet identified the individuals involved, the announcement signals a potential shift in approach as Cuba navigates ongoing economic challenges and international scrutiny.
This release builds on previous efforts by the Cuban government to pardon inmates. Since 2010, a total of 9,905 inmates have been granted pardons, with an additional 10,000 released from imprisonment over the past three years, according to the government’s statement. In January 2025, Cuba released prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer as part of a broader initiative following talks with the Vatican, a move that preceded the Biden administration’s intent to lift the U.S. Designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Ferrer subsequently left Cuba in October 2025 and is now residing in the United States. His release, along with others in early 2025, was directly linked to the Vatican-mediated discussions.
Eraldo Peres/AP
Context of the Releases
The timing of this announcement is notable, occurring during President Díaz-Canel’s attendance at the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is seen as an opportunity for Cuba to strengthen ties and potentially secure economic support. Cuba joined BRICS as a partner nation in January 2025, following an invitation extended to several countries in October 2024. According to the Cuban presidency, Díaz-Canel’s presence at the summit will allow for bilateral meetings and discussions on international affairs.
However, the releases also occur against a backdrop of ongoing concerns regarding political prisoners in Cuba. Radio Santa Cruz reports that Díaz-Canel is seeking opportunities to alleviate the country’s economic struggles. The nonprofit Prisoners Defenders estimates that as of February 2026, there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba.
Uncertainty Regarding Political Prisoners
It remains unclear whether any of the 51 individuals slated for release are classified as political prisoners. The Cuban government has not provided details on the specific cases involved, only stating that those released have demonstrated good conduct during their imprisonment. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and calls for greater clarity from human rights organizations.
President Díaz-Canel is expected to address these and other issues during his press conference Friday. His remarks will be closely watched for further insight into the government’s motivations behind the prisoner release and its broader strategy for navigating the complex political and economic landscape facing Cuba.
What to Expect Next
The coming days will be crucial in understanding the full implications of this announcement. The release of the 51 prisoners represents a potential, albeit limited, step towards easing tensions and fostering dialogue. Further details regarding the identities of those released and the specific criteria used for selection will be closely monitored. President Díaz-Canel’s upcoming press conference is expected to provide additional context and clarity on the government’s intentions. The international community will also be watching to observe if this move signals a broader shift in Cuba’s approach to human rights and political freedoms.
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