Cuba frees 53 political prisoners as part of U.S. deal

Alan Gomez | USA TODAY

Cuba has finalized its part of a historic deal with the United States by releasing 53 political prisoners from its prisons, the U.S. said Monday.

The agreement that re-established diplomatic relations between the two countries for the first time in over five decades included the release of two Americans from Cuban prisons, three Cubans from American prisons and a promise by Cuban officials that they would release 53 political prisoners.

The U.S. Interests Section in Havana has now verified the release of those prisoners, according to a senior administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue on the record.

Cuba has long been criticized by the international community for imprisoning people who speak out against the communist regime or push for other changes on the island. According to the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, Cuba detained 8,899 people in 2014, compared with 6,424 the previous year. That rise has many worried about the human rights record of the government during a critical period where it is trying to normalize relations with the U.S.

"We are receiving incredibly worrying reports about a rise in harassment and short-term detentions of dissidents throughout 2014 which has continued in recent weeks," Erika Guevara Rosas, Americas director for Amnesty International, said over the weekend as the first Cuban prisoners were being freed. "Prisoner releases will be no more than a smokescreen if they are not accompanied by expanded space for the free and peaceful expression of all opinions and other freedoms in Cuba."

Others see the release of the prisoners as the first proof that the historic accord between the two countries can have an impact on the island.

Ric Herrero, executive director of #CubaNow, which has supported President Obama's decision to improve relations with Cuba, said the release of the 53 prisoners has already made this new strategy more successful than five decades of political and economic isolation.

"The confirmation today that all 53 political prisoners have now been released as part of the agreement announced on Dec.17 serves as a testament to what the United States can achieve when it chooses to engage," Herrero said Monday. "Cuba is far from where it needs to be, but today's news reinforces the fact that our new policy will be much more effective at supporting the Cuban people as they work to define their own future."