Cuba releases over 2,000 prisoners amid mounting US pressure

In Cuba, authorities released over 2,000 prisoners on April 3, 2026. The Cuban government described the mass release as a "humanitarian gesture" coinciding with Holy Week. The pardons occurred against a backdrop of increasing pressure from the Trump administration regarding political prisoners in Cuba. While officials cited humanitarian reasons, the timing of the release coincided with heightened scrutiny from the United States. The released prisoners were seen in emotional scenes as they left jail.