Cuba Concludes Release of 553 Prisoners Under Biden-Era Agreement

Cuban authorities have confirmed the completion of the release of 553 prisoners, fulfilling an agreement made in the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency. The announcement was made by Maricela Sosa Ravelo, vice president of the Cuban Supreme Court, through state media.

The deal, which led to Cuba’s removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, was finalized on January 14, 2025. However, the process faced setbacks after Donald Trump took office and halted the releases following 192 confirmed prisoner discharges. Despite this, sporadic releases continued, leading to the final completion of the agreement.

Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the lack of transparency in the selection process. Justicia 11J, a Mexico-based NGO, claims that many released individuals were common prisoners rather than political detainees. While some notable dissidents, including Jose Daniel Ferrer and Felix Navarro, were freed, others, such as Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo, remain in custody.

Cuban officials have stated that all released individuals must adhere to socialist norms, warning that any violation could result in reincarceration. Human rights groups and the U.S. embassy in Havana estimate that around 1,000 political prisoners remain detained, prompting further calls for transparency and accountability.

The completion of the prisoner release marks a significant moment in U.S.-Cuba relations, despite the Trump administration’s opposition to the original agreement.