Cuban authorities began to free prisoners on Friday after announcing they would pardon 2,010 inmates, the second release in less than a month as it faces heightened US pressure.

More than 20 inmates came out of La Lima penitentiary in east Havana, holding their release papers, crying and hugging relatives who had been waiting for them all morning.

"Thank you for this opportunity that they gave us," said Albis Gainza, 46, who had served half of a six-year sentence for robbery.

He said he could not sleep after learning he would be released.

"This needs to keep going ... (and) more are released," said Gainza.

The Cuban government announced late on Thursday that it would pardon 2,010 prisoners as a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture" to mark Holy Week.

It did not link it to US talks but the move came days after US President Donald Trump eased a de facto oil blockade of Cuba by allowing a Russian tanker to deliver crude to the fuel-starved island.

The Trump administration has called for change in communist-run Cuba's system of government and the US president has mused about "taking" the island.

But the two sides have also held talks recently.

Releasing political prisoners has long been a core US demand in Cuba.

The Cuban government did not identify the prisoners nor say what offences they had committed, but it said the releases would be based on the nature of the crimes, good behaviour, health reasons and time served.

The government said those released would not include people who committed murder, sex assault, drug-related crimes, theft, illegal slaughter of livestock and "crimes against authority."

It said the individuals being freed include young people, women and prisoners over 60 years old who are scheduled for early release within the next six months to a year.

The government previously announced on March 12 that it would free 51 prisoners as a sign of "good will" toward the Vatican, which has often acted as a mediator between Washington and Havana. (AFP)



Edited by Robert Kemp