Story perspectives

Cuba Pardons 2,000 Inmates, Accuses U.S. of Terrorism

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Miguel Diaz-Canel signed an April 3 decree pardoning over 2,000 inmates listed in the May 25 government gazette.
The administration said the amnesty covers detainees convicted of public disorder, resisting arrest, robbery or vandalism, not political crimes, describing it as a humanitarian gesture.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubted a negotiated settlement, prompting Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez to accuse him of inciting aggression and labeling Cuba a terrorist sponsor.

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Story summary

President Miguel Diaz-Canel signed an April 3 decree pardoning over 2,000 inmates listed in the May 25 government gazette.
The administration said the amnesty covers detainees convicted of public disorder, resisting arrest, robbery or vandalism, not political crimes, describing it as a humanitarian gesture.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio doubted a negotiated settlement, prompting Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez to accuse him of inciting aggression and labeling Cuba a terrorist sponsor.