Trump reinstates Cuba as state sponsor of terrorism

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Newly sworn in US President Donald Trump reinstated Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, reversing an executive order issued by President Joe Biden just days earlier.

Biden had removed the designation under a plan negotiated by the Vatican to secure the release of political prisoners in Cuba. In response, Cuban authorities had begun releasing detainees, including 24-year-old Reyna Yacnara Barreto Batista, who had been serving a four-year sentence for public disorder charges.

The Trump administration’s move complicates Cuba’s pledge to release more than 500 prisoners under the agreement. It remains unclear how many additional detainees will be freed following Trump’s decision.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the reversal, describing it on social media as an “act of mockery and abuse.”

Cuba has consistently denied allegations of supporting terrorism.