The Albany Gazette - Cuba pardons 2,010 prisoners amid US pressure

The major announcement comes days after US President Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude to the fuel-starved island.

The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba's system of government and the US president has mused about "taking" the island.

But the two sides have also held talks recently.

Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba.

The Cuban presidency announced that the individuals being freed include young people, women and prisoners over 60 years old who are scheduled for early release within the next six months to a year.

Foreigners and Cuban citizens residing abroad are among them, but no identities have been released.

"This humanitarian and sovereign gesture was based on a careful analysis of the nature of the crimes committed by the convicts, their good conduct in prison, the fact they had served a significant portion of their sentences, and their state of health," the presidency said in a statement.

The announcement comes weeks after the communist government said it would free 51 prisoners as a sign of "good will" toward the Vatican.

The Holy See has often tried to act as a mediator between Washington and Havana.

The Cuban presidency said it was the fifth time since since 2011 that it had pardoned prisoners, amounting to more than 11,000 people.

It said the decision was "taking place within the context of the religious observances of Holy Week -- a customary practice within our criminal justice system and a reflection of the humanitarian legacy of the Revolution."

The government said those released would not include people who committed murder, sex assault, drug-related crimes, theft, illegal slaughter of livestock and crimes against authority.

- Talks advancing? -

The pardons come as Russia announced Thursday it would send a second oil tanker to Cuba.

Michael Bustamante, chair of Cuban studies at the University of Miami, said it was not the first time that the government made such a gesture on the eve of a religious holiday.

"One is tempted to draw the conclusion or wonder if the Trump administration's decision to let in a Russian ship... and maybe another one, may or may not be related here," Bustamante told AFP.

"It seems not far-fetched to think that this is a sign that some of the conversation between both governments is advancing. Perhaps slowly, but advancing. To where? Unclear," he said.

"I think we will also have to see who is included in these releases to have a sense of their potential political significance."

(P.Clark--TAG)