51 Prisoners To Be Freed As Cuba Shows Cracks Under Trump Pressure

Cuba’s socialist government announced Thursday that it will release 51 prisoners, a move that comes as the country faces increasing economic pressure from the United States.

Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the releases will begin in the coming days and that those being freed have served a significant portion of their sentences and demonstrated good behavior while incarcerated. Officials did not confirm whether any of the individuals are political prisoners. The ministry said the decision was partly influenced by Cuba’s relationship with the Vatican, which has previously helped mediate prisoner releases and negotiations involving the United States.

The announcement was unexpected as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on the island nation, which has struggled with fuel shortages linked to disruptions in Venezuelan oil. After American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a January military operation, a step the Trump administration said was part of its strategy, disruptions to Venezuelan oil exports have contributed to Cuba’s energy crisis.