On January 15, 2025, the Cuban government commenced the release of 553 prisoners following the United States' decision to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Among the initial releases are Dariel Cruz García, Lisdiany Rodríguez Isaac, and Donaida Pérez Paseiro, recognized by human rights organizations as political prisoners.
Family members of several political detainees were summoned to penitentiaries early Wednesday morning, following the government's announcement of the gradual release. A statement from the Cuban Foreign Ministry emphasized that the releases are based on a careful analysis of legal provisions and reflect the humanitarian nature of Cuba's penal system.
The announcement was made in a letter addressed to Pope Francis, who played a role in facilitating the release. This intervention is not unprecedented, as the Catholic Church has previously mediated similar situations, notably in the early 2000s when numerous political opponents were released.
On the same day, the U.S. government notified Congress of its intention to withdraw Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, part of an agreement mediated by the Catholic Church. Federal officials indicated that many political prisoners and others deemed unjustly detained would be released before President Joe Biden's term concludes on January 20.
The United States will also ease some economic pressures on Cuba, alongside revoking a 2017 memorandum by former President Donald Trump that tightened sanctions against the island. While Cuban authorities welcomed the U.S. announcement, they deemed it insufficient given the ongoing embargo and its associated hardships.