Udenrigsudvalget 2024-25
URU Alm.del Bilag 91
Offentligt
2965528_0001.png
Declaration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba
In the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025, the Cuban Government
releases persons who are serving prison sentences.
As part of the close and fluid relations with the Vatican, the Government of Cuba
has remained in touch with Pope Francis and his representatives and, as has
occurred in the past, has kept His Holiness informed about the processes of
review of the convictions and the release on imprisoned person, a practice that
is common in our judicial system and has characterized the humanitarian record
of the Revolution.
As an expression of that practice and in accordance with the national
legislation, more than 10 thousand persons serving imprisonment sentences were
released between 2023 and 2024 with different kinds of benefits as established
by the law.
In June, 2023, President Miguel Díaz-Canel paid a visit to the Vatican and met
with the Supreme Pontiff. This visit was preceded by a meeting held by Bruno
Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs, with Pope Francis. In those meetings,
in which there were discussions about issues of mutual concern and others
related to the international agenda, some information was provided on these
matters, with emphasis on the unjust nature and nefarious effect of the US Cuba
policy. His Holiness has given unequivocal proofs of his empathy and love for the
Cuban people.
During the early days of January, President Díaz-Canel addressed a letter to the
Supreme Pontiff in which, in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025
declared by His Holiness, which has just begun, he informed Pope Francis of the
decision to concede to the release of 553 persons who had been convicted, in
accordance with the due process, for several crimes that are punishable
by law. Deliberations are in progress on the basis of a thorough analysis, taking
into account the different modalities established by law and as part of the just
and humanitarian nature of the Cuban penal and penitentiary systems. These
persons will gradually receive their respective benefits.
 URU, Alm.del - 2024-25 - Bilag 91: Erklæringer fra det cubanske udenrigsministerium om USA's beslutning om at ophæve visse restriktioner over for Cuba og om Cubas beslutning om at frigive fanger i samarbejde med Vatikanet
We maintain a respectful, honest and constructive relation with the Vatican and
the Supreme Pontiff, which facilitates the adoption of decisions such as the one
that has been recently adopted, in accordance with the requirements
established by the legislation in force; the humanitarian nature of the Cuban
justice system and in compliance with obligations in terms of internal order and
public safety.
Havana, January 14, 2025