Cuba has released prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer from jail, as part of a Cuban government decision to gradually free more than 500 prisoners as part of talks with the Vatican.

Cuban dissident and human rights activist Jose Daniel Ferrer told Reuters on Thursday he had been released from jail and was at home, part of a broader plan negotiated with the Vatican to gradually free upwards of 500 prisoners.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Tuesday his government would "gradually" release 553 prisoners following talks with the Vatican, a decision announced just hours after the Biden administration said it would loosen a host of sanctions on the island.

The Biden administration lifted Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, four years after the Trump White House issued the designation.

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday it will remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list – a move taken in the twilight of the administration that is likely to reversed by the incoming team.

The Biden administration will remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list as part of a deal for the release of political prisoners in exchange for an easing of restrictions.