Background on Miguel Díaz-Canel
Miguel Díaz-Canel is the current President of Cuba, taking office in 2018 following Fidel Castro’s resignation. As a member of the Communist Party, Díaz-Canel has continued to uphold Cuba’s socialist policies and maintain close ties with other left-leaning governments, such as Venezuela.
US Sanctions Against Cuba
In late June, former US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed sanctions on Cuba, targeting key figures in the Cuban government for alleged human rights violations during protests in 2017. The sanctions were further tightened on a Friday, with the US Department of State announcing measures to implement these restrictions.
Key Targets of the Sanctions
- President Miguel Díaz-Canel
- Alvaro López Miera, Minister of Defense
- Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Minister of Interior
Reactions from Cuba and Venezuela
Díaz-Canel responded to the sanctions on social media, stating that what irritates the US about Cuba is its true independence. He emphasized that Cuba does not want foreign corporations to govern the island, and that healthcare and education remain free for its citizens. Díaz-Canel also criticized the US and Israel for their actions against Palestine.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Cuba, condemned the sanctions against his Cuban counterpart. Maduro expressed solidarity with Díaz-Canel via Telegram, stating, “¡Venezuela always with Cuba!”
Impact on Cuban Citizens
According to the US, approximately 700 individuals remain imprisoned following the July 2021 protests, facing torture or abuse. Human rights organizations estimate the number to be between 360 and 420 detainees.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the sanctions targeting? The sanctions target key leaders in the Cuban government, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Minister of Defense Alvaro López Miera, and Minister of Interior Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas.
- What are the allegations against these leaders? The US accuses these Cuban leaders of grave human rights violations during protests in 2017.
- What is the reaction from Cuba and Venezuela? Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized the sanctions, stating that true independence irritates the US. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expressed solidarity with Díaz-Canel and condemned the sanctions.
- How many Cubans are affected by these sanctions? The US reports that around 700 individuals remain imprisoned following the July 2021 protests, facing torture or abuse. Human rights organizations estimate the number to be between 360 and 420 detainees.
