Cuba has released prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer from jail, as part of a Cuban government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican.

Hundreds more Cuban dissidents are expected to be released in the coming days in a deal with President Biden, but even a top beneficiary is balking.

Cuban dissident and human rights activist Jose Daniel Ferrer told Reuters on Thursday he had been released from jail and was at home, part of a broader plan negotiated with the Vatican to gradually free upwards of 500 prisoners.

The eminent musician and composer Enrique Bonne, National Music Prize (2016), died today in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, at the age of 98.

Cuban authorities freed opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer, among other prisoners, as part of a deal with outgoing US President Biden. Many of those released were political prisoners.

The move follows President Joe Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a gesture the Cuban government says reflected “the spirit of the 2025 Jubilee.”

The escalating violence in Cuba shows no signs of stopping. Residents of the town of Chile, located in the San Luis municipality of Santiago de Cuba,

The Biden administration said it would remove Cuba from its terrorism blacklist, while Cuba said separately it would release upward of 500 prisoners from its jails.

To the extent that the dictatorship must be condemned…we must look for mechanisms that can help alleviate hunger.”

Cuba has freed 127 prisoners including opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer after departing US President Joe Biden agreed to remove the country from Washington’s list of terrorism sponsors

Mexican officials and other leaders in the region have not been able to meet with the incoming administration about its migration and deportation plans.

HAVANA, Jan 17, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Cuban opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer was among a group of prisoners released Thursday in a landmark deal with departing US President Joe Biden that has led to emotional reunions across the communist island.