The United States imposed, Thursday, July 22, financial sanctions on Cuban defense minister, Alvaro Lopez Miera, and on a special unit of the interior ministry, for the ” repression “ recent “Peaceful demonstrations and pro-democracy” in Cuba, while threatening new punitive measures.
” It’s only a beginning. The United States will continue to sanction those responsible for the oppression against the Cuban people ”President Joe Biden warned in a statement condemning “Unambiguously the mass arrests and mock trials” aiming “Those who dare to speak”.
The Democratic President has promised to “Pressure the regime to immediately release political prisoners unjustly detained, restore Internet access and allow Cubans to enjoy their basic rights”.
“Consular services” to Cubans
“The Cuban people demonstrate for the fundamental and universal rights that their government must guarantee them”US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, saying she would continue to apply sanctions against the island to support ” [sa] quest for democracy ”.
To the cries of ” We are hungry “, “Down with the dictatorship”, protests took place on July 11 on the Communist island and continued sporadically the next day. At the end of these rallies – which left one dead and dozens injured – around 100 people were arrested, according to various opposition organizations.
Beyond the sanctions, Joe Biden confirmed that his government is considering allowing money transfers from individuals to Cuba and has pledged to increase the staffing of the United States Embassy in Havana to “Provide consular services to Cubans”, which could ultimately result in American visas for those who wish to leave the country.