Cuba to Release 51 Prisoners in Move Linked to the Vatican

The communist regime says inmates with good conduct will be released soon, citing longstanding ties and dialogue with the Vatican.

Police guard a street on the second anniversary of anti-government protests in Havana, on July 11, 2023. Adalberto Roque/AFP via Getty Images

Cuban authorities announced Thursday that they plan to release 51 people from prison in the coming days, portraying the decision as a gesture linked to the communist regime’s relationship with the Vatican.

“In the ​spirit of goodwill and the close and fluid relations between the Cuban state and the ⁠Vatican, with which communication has historically been maintained regarding the review and release of prisoners, the Cuban government has decided ​to release 51 people sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days,” the nation’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “All have served a ​significant portion of their sentences and have maintained good conduct in prison.”