Cuba Pardons 2,010 Prisoners for Holy Week

HAVANA, Cuba — The Cuban government announced on Thursday that it had pardoned 2,010 prisoners as a humanitarian measure tied to Holy Week observances, releasing individuals including women, the elderly, young people, foreigners and Cuban citizens living abroad.

The decision, detailed in a statement published in state media, followed an evaluation of the nature of the offenses, the prisoners' conduct during incarceration, the length of time served and their health conditions. Authorities specified that those granted early release included individuals over 60 years old and others approaching the end of their sentences within the next six months to a year. The government excluded people convicted of serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault, child abuse or drug trafficking, as well as those charged with offenses against public authorities and individuals who had reoffended after a prior pardon.

No names or specific case details were provided, leaving unclear whether any of the released individuals had been held on charges related to public disorder or protests. The Cuban government maintains that it does not hold political prisoners, though the activist organization Prisoners...