World Latin America Politics

Cuba pardons 2,000 prisoners

Cuba pardons 2,000 prisoners

Communist officials described the release as a 'sovereign gesture' and did not explicitly link it to ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration.

However, the release coincides with reports of Vatican-led diplomacy gaining traction to alleviate the island's suffering.

Russia has also announced plans to send a second oil tanker to Cuba after the U.S. allowed an initial shipment to pass through the blockade.

Despite the pardons, the U.S. continues to maintain significant economic pressure on the Havana government.