Cuba Publishes Names of Thousands of Prisoners Granted Amnesty Amid U.S. Negotiations

Cuba's government published the names of over 2,000 prisoners granted amnesty on May 25, 2026, amid tense negotiations with the United States. The move follows a recent escalation of U.S. pressure, including murder charges against former President Raul Castro. While Cuba denies holding political prisoners, the issue remains a key dispute, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the chances of a settlement are "not high."

Cuba prisoner amnesty announcement

• ▪The decree, signed on April 3, grants a "full and definitive pardon" and is described as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture."
• ▪The list was published via a decree from President Miguel Diaz-Canel in Cuba's government gazette
• ▪On May 25, 2026, Cuba published the names of thousands of prisoners granted amnesty in April
• ▪The April amnesty, Cuba's largest in years, covers more than 2,000 prisoners and is the second such amnesty in 2026

U.S.-Cuba negotiations

• ▪The amnesty was announced a day after Cuba's top diplomat in Washington invited the U.S. to help overhaul Cuba's economy
• ▪The publication of the list occurred during tense negotiations between Cuba and the United States over various disputes, including political prisoners
• ▪U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the chances of a negotiated settlement with Cuba were "not high."

Political prisoner dispute

• ▪Cuba has repeatedly denied holding political prisoners, stating that those jailed during protests face charges such as public disorder and vandalism
• ▪Many high-profile dissidents and protesters from the 2021 island-wide protests have been freed in recent agreements and amnesties

U.S. pressure on Cuba

• ▪Cuban diplomat Bruno Rodriguez accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of inciting military aggression and falsely labeling Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism
• ▪Washington has recently increased pressure on Cuba's government

Raul Castro murder charges

• ▪On May 20, 2026, the U.S. announced murder charges against former Cuban President Raul Castro
• ▪The charges against Raul Castro were described as a sharp escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Cuba