In a statement, the Cuban government says the decision to pardon dozens of prisoners in the coming days has been taken in a spirit of goodwill and fluid diplomatic relations with the Holy See and coincides with the proximity of Holy Week celebrations.
Vatican News Answering questions from journalists, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed on Friday that there have been recent discussions between the Holy See and Cuban authorities “regarding the release of prisoners" in the Caribbean island State. This follows a statement released on Thursday by Cuban officials which says, “In a spirit of goodwill and of the close and fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Vatican – relations through which communication has historically been maintained regarding review processes and the release of persons deprived of liberty – the Government of Cuba has decided to release, in the coming days, 51 people serving prison sentences.” The statement also notes that they are all inmates who have served “a significant part of their sentence and have maintained good behaviour in prison.” A Cuban practice The government goes on to explain that over 9,900 prisoners have benefited from pardons since 2010. It adds that “in addition, over the last three years, as part of Cuban practice and in accordance with the legislative provisions, another 10,000 people serving prison sentences have been released through various forms of legal benefits.” Holy Week Finally, the statement explains that the decision constitutes common practice within the Cuban criminal justice system, “and reflects the humanitarian trajectory of the Revolution, which on this occasion coincides with the proximity of the religious celebrations of Holy Week."