US Imposes Sanctions on Cuban President, Officials Over 2021 Crackdown

The U.S. State Department has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Defense Minister Alvaro Lopez Miera, Interior Minister Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas, and other senior officials for their roles in the Cuban regime's brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in 2021. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on these officials and added 11 regime-linked properties, including the luxury Torre K hotel, to restricted lists to prevent U.S. dollars from funding Cuba's repression. The sanctions mark the fourth anniversary of the largest protests in decades, which were driven by economic crisis and demands for freedom, and resulted in violent government responses, detentions, and abuses. Rubio emphasized solidarity with the Cuban people and political prisoners, highlighting ongoing human rights violations, while Cuban officials accuse the U.S. of exploiting economic hardships to incite unrest. The Biden administration’s actions continue President Trump's hardened stance against Cuba, including reinstating the country on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. Meanwhile, Russia and China have condemned the U.S. sanctions, calling for an end to the long-standing economic blockade.