Former President Donald Trump has reportedly issued a covert two-week ultimatum to Cuba, demanding the release of prominent political prisoners, including Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo. This is intended as a gesture of goodwill amidst ongoing direct negotiations between Washington and Havana.
This demand was reportedly made during a clandestine meeting held in Cuba on April 10, as disclosed to USA Today by a source knowledgeable about the discussion. Notably, this marked the first landing of a U.S. government plane in Cuba since 2016.
A high-ranking delegation from the State Department warned the Cuban regime of the island's economy being in "free fall," emphasizing that the ruling elites have a "narrow window to implement reforms before circumstances decline irreversibly."
A State Department spokesperson confirmed to USA Today that the Trump administration "remains committed to the release of all political prisoners, including Alcántara and Osorbo." Both artists were sentenced in June 2022—Otero to five years and Osorbo to nine—following the trials from the July 11 protests.
Backdrop of the Diplomatic Negotiations
This negotiation context includes a mass pardon of 2,010 inmates announced by the Cuban regime on April 2. However, this measure explicitly excluded those who committed offenses against authority, thereby leaving out many high-profile political prisoners.
Currently, according to Prisoners Defenders, Cuba has a record high of 1,250 political prisoners. This figure highlights the regime's intensified repression even amid diplomatic dialogues.
Ongoing Struggles of Otero Alcántara
Recently, Otero Alcántara ended an eight-day hunger strike on April 6, protesting the conditions of his imprisonment. Previously, a habeas corpus petition filed on his behalf had been irregularly denied by a Cuban court on March 23.
Meanwhile, Vatican diplomacy has achieved partial successes: in March, the release of 51 additional prisoners was announced through Vatican mediation, though the most emblematic cases remain unresolved.
Trump’s Increasing Pressure on Cuba
President Trump has publicly intensified his rhetoric concerning Cuba, promising a "New Dawn for Cuba." When questioned about military planning, he did not rule out any options, as he stated during a rally in Phoenix.
Key Questions on Cuba’s Political Prisoners
Who are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo are renowned Cuban artists and activists known for their opposition to the Cuban regime. They have been imprisoned for their roles in the July 11 protests.
What is the significance of the recent U.S. government plane landing in Cuba?
The landing of a U.S. government plane in Cuba for the first time since 2016 signifies a potential shift in diplomatic relations and direct negotiations between the two countries regarding political and economic issues.
How has the Cuban regime responded to international pressure regarding political prisoners?
The Cuban regime has shown partial responsiveness, as evidenced by a mass pardon excluding high-profile political prisoners, and through Vatican-mediated releases. Yet, significant cases remain unresolved.