Full Breakdown
Cuba Publishes List of Prisoners Released in April Amnesty Amid U.S. Negotiations
5/26/2026, 2:34:40 AM
Amnesty List Published
On May 25, 2026, Cuba’s government published a decree in the official gazette listing prisoners granted amnesty under a decree signed by President Miguel Diaz-Canel on April 3. The decree provides a full and definitive pardon to an extensive group of inmates, describing the act as a humanitarian and sovereign gesture. Some of those named have already been released.
Negotiations Context
The list appears amid tense talks between Havana and Washington over disputes that include the status of political prisoners. In April, Cuba announced it would free more than 2,000 inmates, the second amnesty of 2026 and the largest in recent years. The announcement followed a public invitation by Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington for U.S. help in overhauling the island’s economy.
Key Figures & Groups
President Miguel Diaz-Canel signed the amnesty decree. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assessed that settlement prospects are not high. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused the United States of inciting military aggression and falsely labeling Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism. Former President Raúl Castro faces U.S. murder charges announced on May 20, intensifying diplomatic strain.
Data & Statistics
The April decree targets “more than 2,000” inmates, making it the second amnesty of 2026 and the largest release in recent years. The published list contains thousands of names, but the exact total remains undisclosed. Authorities say those detained during the 2021 protests face charges of public disorder, resisting arrest, robbery and vandalism, not political offenses.
Official Statements & Responses
The decree frames the amnesty as a sovereign humanitarian act and states that Cuba does not recognize political prisoners. Cuban officials attribute the releases to legal charges of public disorder. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed skepticism about a comprehensive settlement, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez accused Washington of hostile rhetoric and mischaracterizing Cuba’s status.
Criticism & Opposition
U.S. officials have intensified pressure, including the May 20 announcement of murder charges against President Raúl Castro, which Cuban authorities label an act of aggression. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assessment that settlement prospects are not high reflects Washington’s skepticism. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez’s claim that the United States is inciting military aggression and falsely labeling Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism underscores the deepening diplomatic rift.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree the amnesty targets “more than 2,000” inmates, yet the precise number released remains undisclosed. Cuban officials deny any political prisoners, while U.S. statements refer to political detainees in broader talks, creating a characterization gap. The timing of individual releases relative to the list’s publication is also unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “full and definitive pardon” — Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba
- “humanitarian and sovereign gesture.” — Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba
- “not high,” — Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
- “Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a day later that the chances of a negotiated settlement with Cuba were “not high," while his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez accused Rubio of inciting military aggression and falsely labeling Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism.” — Bruno Rodriguez, Cuban Foreign Minister
What’s Next
Cuba has not announced a further release schedule, but the list publication signals continuation of the amnesty process. U.S. officials indicate ongoing diplomatic pressure, and the murder charges against Raúl Castro suggest possible legal actions. Observers expect the outcome of negotiations to shape any additional amnesties or releases in the coming months.
