The People's Supreme Court (TSP) has announced an end to the process leading to the early release of 553 prisoners, which the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs proclaimed last January, local media quoted on Tuesday.

Havana, Cuba.- All those who were to benefit from the early release promulgated on January 14 are now free, said the vice president of the TSP, Marisela Sosa, appearing Monday on Cuban television.

According to Sosa “In January 378 applications were forwarded to the Court and 175 in February.”

Beneficiaries were informed "of the resolutions establishing the date on which they were to appear before the enforcement judge of their place of residence, for their follow-up and subsequent control."

Sosa explained the judge has to inform them of the rights, prohibitions, and restrictions deriving from their conviction, as well as accessory sanctions.

Their early release, she emphasized, is a benefit granted before the prison term expires, also establishing the obligations to comply with once they are released.

According to Sosa, the benefit could be revoked in the event of non-compliance with the obligations of the released convicts, who would be returned to jail to fully serve the pending time.

If they unjustifiably do not return to work or study, the benefit may be revoked, penalty to be applied also to those who do not appear before the enforcement judge on the appointed date. (PL)