Biden to Remove Cuba from Terrorism List in Prisoner Release Deal

Biden plans to remove Cuba from the US terrorism list as part of a prisoner release deal.
Cuba announces the release of 553 prisoners, potentially including anti-government protesters.
Move signals a potential shift in US-Cuba relations and relief for Cuba’s struggling economy.

President Joe Biden plans to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of a deal tied to a prisoner release, the White House announced on Tuesday.

Shortly after the announcement, Cuba declared it would release 553 prisoners held for “diverse crimes.” While details remain unclear, it is hoped this includes individuals imprisoned for participating in anti-government protests four years ago.

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The US initially removed Cuba from the terrorism list in 2015 under President Barack Obama, but President Donald Trump reinstated the designation in 2021, citing Cuba’s support for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The designation restricted US economic aid and arms exports to Cuba.

On Tuesday, a Biden administration official stated that a review found “no information” to justify Cuba’s inclusion on the list. Cuba’s foreign ministry welcomed the decision as a step “in the right direction,” despite its “limited nature,” emphasizing the severe economic impact of such measures on its population.

The release of prisoners was reportedly facilitated through talks brokered by the Catholic Church. While the full list of prisoners has not been disclosed, the move is seen as a potential step toward improved US-Cuba relations.

The removal of Cuba from the terrorism list could also ease its struggling economy by reducing restrictions that have hindered foreign investment and banking operations. Additionally, Biden plans to notify Congress of his intention to reverse other Trump-era policies, including financial restrictions on Cubans and claims to confiscated property on the island.