The US State Department has announced sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other senior government officials. In a post on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that among those denied visas to enter the United States are President Díaz-Canel, Defense Minister Álvaro López Miera, Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, and their immediate family members. Rubio said this action was taken in response to the violent crackdown on peaceful protests by Cuban citizens against the government in 2021.
Rubio also announced that the Torré K Hotel, a state-run luxury hotel used to fund Cuba’s repressive government, has been added to the US sanctions list. Cuba has faced severe criticism for investing in such high-end hotels while the country is in the midst of a major economic crisis. Rubio stated that while Cuban citizens are forced to live in poverty without food and basic services, state funds are being misused by Cuban government leaders.
The US State Department said that in addition to the Torré K Hotel, 10 other entities associated with the Cuban government have been added to the sanctions list. The Cuban government violently suppressed widespread public protests in 2021 using police force. One person died and many were injured in those disturbances. More than 700 people were arrested and imprisoned in connection with the protests. This past January, the administration of then-US President Joe Biden removed Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, President Donald Trump has reinstated Cuba on that list upon taking office.
