Cuba to Release 553 Prisoners Following Vatican Talks and U.S. Policy Shift

A new luxury hotel, the Selection La Habana, managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, has become a focal point of debate in Havana as the country faces a severe economic crisis. The 150-meter tall structure, which boasts 542 rooms and scenic views of the city, is set to open despite criticisms regarding the government's investment priorities amidst declining tourist numbers. In 2024, Cuba saw a drop in tourism to approximately 2.2 million visitors, significantly lower than the 4.2 million recorded in 2019. The government cites various factors for this decline, including supply shortages, a severe energy crisis, and heightened U.S. sanctions that have restricted travel. Many locals, such as artisan Susel Borges, express frustration over the millions allocated to luxury tourism, urging that funds would be better spent on essential services like hospitals and schools. Despite the ongoing issues, the Cuban government continues its ambition to develop luxury tourism, planning to construct more high-end establishments, particularly in Havana. Critics, including economists and architects, have voiced their concerns about the government’s focus on tourism investment compared to other vital sectors like agriculture, which has seen significantly less funding. As the hotel nears its opening, there remains a palpable tension in the community regarding the prioritization of luxury development over basic infrastructure needs.

Families of Cuban prisoners, jailed for participating in anti-government protests in July 2021, are anxiously awaiting the continuation of a promised release following a sudden policy reversal by U.S. President Donald Trump. Just a week after President Biden's administration removed Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and reportedly negotiated the release of around 553 prisoners with the Cuban government, Trump reinstated the designation, casting doubt on the future of those still incarcerated. Human rights activists from the group Justicia 11J indicate that approximately 150 prisoners have already been released under the agreement, which many believed to be contingent on U.S. policy changes. Prisoners like Nadir Martín Perdomo remain in limbo, with their families expressing deep emotional distress over the uncertainty. Oliva, the wife of one such prisoner, shared the impact of the situation on their children, who are eagerly awaiting news of their father's freedom. Among those recently released is dissident Daniel Ferrer, who quickly utilized his platform to advocate for the fight for a free Cuba. However, many notable figures, including artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, remain behind bars, drawing attention to the broader context of political imprisonment in Cuba. Current estimates suggest that there are around 950 political prisoners in Cuba, according to Prisoners Defenders. Trump's reclassification of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism has raised concerns about international relations and continued sanctions, especially given that figures like Marco Rubio have publicly supported this designation. Human Rights Watch referred to Cuba's consistent human rights violations but rejected the notion of terrorism ties. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized Trump, labeling his move an act of arrogance. As the future of the prisoner release agreement remains uncertain, families and advocates continue to express their frustrations, fearing that the promised reforms may stall amid geopolitical maneuvers.

The Biden administration has officially notified Congress of its decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This announcement, made just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, is part of a broader deal involving the "gradual" release of 553 political prisoners, according to the Cuban government. This move has been facilitated through negotiations with the Catholic Church. A senior administration official stated, "An assessment has been completed and we do not have information that supports Cuba's designation as being a state sponsor of terrorism." The Cuban foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a step in the right direction, although it noted that the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. remains in place. Cuban activist Maykel González Vivero expressed hope that the release would include prominent dissidents. The previous designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism had been enforced by Trump in 2021, a reclassification that drew criticism for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis on the island, which is located less than 100 miles from Florida's coast. While some Latin American leaders, including Colombia's President Gustavo Petro, praised Biden's decision, Republican lawmakers have criticized it, suggesting that Trump may seek to reinstate Cuba's designation following his inauguration. The recent development underscores the ongoing complexity of U.S.-Cuba relations and the impact of political dynamics on humanitarian issues.