Cuban political prisoners central to ongoing negotiations with US

This episode of The Excerpt explores the pivotal role of Cuban political prisoners, particularly rapper Michael Castillo Perez and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, in ongoing U.S.-Cuba negotiations. Following the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela and subsequent tightening of sanctions on Cuba—including an oil embargo—the U.S. has pressured Havana to release political prisoners as a condition for potential economic relief. Despite earlier progress under the Biden administration, which saw Cuba removed from the terrorism sponsor list and some prisoner releases, Trump's return to power reversed those gains, re-imposing sanctions and escalating pressure. The episode features exclusive audio recordings from Castillo and Otero while imprisoned, revealing their deep frustration and commitment to change. Their stories, intertwined with the global success of the protest anthem 'Patria y Vida,' underscore the growing civil society within Cuba and the high stakes of the current diplomatic standoff. With high-level talks stalled and both men on a priority release list, the outcome remains uncertain.