Cuba surprises with secret Vatican agreement just before president’s announcement
Handcuffs (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Cuban government announced the release of 51 prisoners following negotiations with the Vatican, according to AP.
This move, which the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already called a gesture of goodwill, is the result of prolonged behind-the-scenes talks between Havana and the Holy See.
The announcement came just a few hours before a major press conference by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, giving the event particular political significance. Analysts see it as an attempt to soften international criticism ahead of the Cuban leader’s important statements.
The actual release is expected in the coming days. The official reasoning is good behavior and serving a significant portion of the sentence. However, experts point to Vatican diplomatic pressure as the key factor.
This is not the first instance of such cooperation. In January 2025, thanks to Vatican negotiations, Cuba’s most well-known dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, was released (he later moved to the US). At that time, the agreements provided for the gradual release of over 500 people.
Striking numbers: amnesty statistics
It seems the Cuban government wanted to remind the world that humanitarian gestures are nothing new for them. Official statistics on amnesties show:
- Since 2010: 9,905 people have been pardoned.
- In the past 3 years: around 10,000 convicts were released early.
Key question: Will political prisoners be released?
Despite optimistic statements from the authorities, the names of the 51 fortunate prisoners are being kept secret. The main intrigue is whether those convicted of participating in protests are included on the list.
According to the human rights organization Prisoners Defenders, as of February 2026, 1,214 political prisoners remain behind bars on the Island of Freedom.
If participants in anti-government protests are among those released, it could signal the beginning of a genuine dialogue with civil society.
Recently, US President Donald Trump announced the imminent collapse of the Cuban regime.
Although Trump spoke of readiness for a friendly takeover using economic tools, the Cuban authorities continue to resist. Official Havana has already rejected Trump’s calls, emphasizing that it will not agree to any deal under pressure.
