Cuba Pardons 2,010 Prisoners During Holy Week Amid US Pressure

Cuba's government announced the pardon and release of 2,010 prisoners as a "humanitarian" gesture during Easter Holy Week — the second such large-scale release in 2026 and one of the largest in nearly a decade. The pardon notably excludes political prisoners, an estimated 1,000–1,200 people jailed under 'crimes against authority' charges used historically to target critics and activists. Those freed include young people, women, and prisoners over 60 with less than six months to a year remaining on their sentences. The Trump administration said it would scrutinize the release for evidence that political prisoners were included, while Cuba denied making any decisions under external pressure. The announcement follows a sustained US pressure campaign, including a de facto oil blockade that has caused repeated nationwide electricity blackouts and severe fuel shortages.