Cuba to release 2,900 prisoners in ‘goodwill gesture’

Cuba's President Raul Castro announced the state will free 2,900 prisoners, including some convicted of crimes against the security of the state.

A government spokesman said they were not jailed for political reasons.

Castro said the amnesty was a goodwill gesture after receiving numerous requests by relatives and religious institutions. The state forgiveness also comes ahead of a Papal visit next spring.

The amnesty will not include Alan Gross, an American whose case is a soar point between Havana and Washington and has stalled progress in the bilateral relations.

Gross is serving 15 years in prison for setting up internet equipment on the island under a secretive US programme.