Cuba released 553 political prisoners following the Biden administration’s decision to remove Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list. The Catholic Church had been negotiating with the Cuban government for the prisoners’ release, most of whom were detained after protests in July 2021. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed the decision, calling it a high cost for Cuban families.
Prior to the announcement, a senior administration official stated that there was no evidence to support Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. President-elect Donald Trump had placed Cuba on the list shortly before leaving office in January 2021.
Republican lawmakers, including Cuban American members of Congress and Sen. Ted Cruz, criticized Biden’s moves, vowing to work to reverse them. However, residents in Havana welcomed the news, viewing it as a positive step forward for the country.
In addition to removing Cuba from the list, the Biden administration will issue a waiver for Title Three of the Helms-Burton Act, allowing the original owners of confiscated Cuban properties to sue foreign companies. The administration is also easing economic pressure by rescinding a presidential memorandum from 2017.
The actions taken by Biden are aimed at achieving practical results with respect to human rights in Cuba. Speculation remains regarding Trump’s potential foreign policy influence, particularly with Sen. Marco Rubio’s nomination as secretary of state and Mauricio Claver-Carone’s selection as a special envoy for Latin America.
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