Havana calls releases a Holy Week humanitarian gesture as Russian tanker is allowed to reach oil-starved island
Cuba has announced plans to pardon 2,010 prisoners as a “humanitarian” gesture during Holy Week, amid heightened US pressure on the government in Havana.
The announcement on Thursday came days after Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude oil to the nation.
The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba’s system of government, and the US president has mused about “taking” the island.
Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba, and the two sides have held talks recently, with Havana promising last month to release dozens of individuals.
