As part of the agreement, the United States had removed Cuba from the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.
The release of prisoners in Cuba, as a result of a recent agreement with the United States, has already begun, generating diverse reactions both on the island and internationally.
The pact, negotiated with the mediation of the Catholic Church, involved the elimination of Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, a measure approved by President Joe Biden a few days before concluding his term. In return, the Cuban government committed to releasing 553 prisoners, many of them detained during the anti-government protests that shook the island in 2021.
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Releases in progress and key statements
On Wednesday, about 20 people were released, according to local NGOs. Among them was Donaida Pérez Paseiro53, who had been sentenced to eight years in prison for participating in the 2021 demonstrations, where the Cuban government was demanded to take measures to alleviate food shortages and stop the uncontrolled increase in prices. In a video broadcast on social networks, Pérez Paseiro accused the government of using prisoners as “bargaining currency” to achieve the removal of Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism and declared that he will continue “fighting for the freedom of Cuba.” ”.
Another of those released was Dariel Cruz García, 23, sentenced to 15 years in prison for sedition after participating in the 2021 protests. Speaking to Reuters, Cruz García revealed that the authorities informed him that he could serve the rest of his sentence at home. “I escaped from hell to be with my family. “I will behave well so I can move forward,” he said.
Reactions of the new US administration
The future of this agreement could be uncertain under the incoming Donald Trump administration. Marco Rubio, nominated by Trump to serve as Secretary of Statesuggested in his Senate confirmation hearing that the new administration could reverse the actions taken by Biden. Referring to the sanctions lifted by the outgoing administration, Rubio stated that “the new administration is not obligated to comply with that decision.”
Mike Waltz, Trump’s chosen national security advisor, supported this position in an interview with Fox News, stating that “everything they [la administración Biden] “They are doing it now, we can do it, and no one should have any illusions in terms of a change in policy towards Cuba.”
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Maricela Sosa, vice president of the Supreme Court of Cuba, clarified in a television broadcast that the released prisoners have not received amnesty or pardon and that they could be arrested again if they fail to comply with the conditions of their parole. These statements generate tension in the families of the detaineesmany of whom are eagerly awaiting news about whether their loved ones will be among those released.
“They are desperate, all waiting with tremendous anxiety for a call from their children,” Dariel Cruz García’s mother told Reuters, highlighting the uncertainty that prevails among the affected families.
Source: Integrated Information System
