A Christian mother who was imprisoned in Cuba last year for homeschooling her kids has been released from prison.

Ayda Esposito and her husband, Pastor Ramon Rigal, were placed behind bars in April 2019 because they began homeschooling their children, reports CBN News.

Esposito and Rigal were concerned about how Cuban public schools portrayed and promoted socialism and atheism.

Last month, Esposito was released early from her 18-month sentence.

While Esposito is now free, her husband remains in prison at this time.

Rigal was sentenced to two years for committing acts against the normal development of his children and illicit association.

The second charge was applied to Rigal because his church is not registered with the Cuban government.

During their time in prison, Esposito and Rigal's children remained at home without schooling.

A commissioner on the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Anurima Bhargava, says she hopes the early release of Espositio means good things.

"We hope that it indicates something that is positive which is that the Cuban government realizes that imprisoning a parent for them deciding to educate their child is not something that is in line with religious freedom and the importance of making sure people are able to practice their faith in the way they and their families believe is important," Bhargava says.

Concerned over Rigal remaining in prison while the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Bhargava is advocating for the release of Pastor Rigal.

"To have people who are imprisoned because of their faith and their religious practice is something that is, of course, incredibly concerning at this time where we want people who don't pose a threat to their community or their society to be home," says Bhargava.

It is illegal to engage in religious activities outside of organizations and activities that are registered with Cuba's Office of Religious Activities.