US Imposes Sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel

The United States has announced unprecedented sanctions against Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, citing gross human rights violations. The announcement was made Friday, July 11, as part of a broader effort to hold the Cuban leadership accountable for systemic abuses.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that visa restrictions have been imposed on Díaz-Canel, as well as other top officials of the Cuban regime. Sanctioned individuals include Minister of Defense Álvaro López Miera and Minister of the Interior Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas.

According to a State Department press release, these sanctions were implemented due to the individuals’ involvement in “gross violations of human rights.” The department further noted that the visa restrictions also apply to numerous Cuban judicial and penitentiary officials implicated in the wrongful detention and torture of protesters during the July 2021 demonstrations.

The U.S. action underscores mounting international concern over the Cuban government’s repressive tactics and lack of democratic reforms. Human rights organizations have long accused Havana of silencing dissent, suppressing protests, and punishing political opposition with imprisonment and abuse.

While the Cuban government has yet to issue an official response, previous sanctions have been met with accusations of foreign interference and assertions of national sovereignty.

This move marks a significant escalation in U.S. policy toward the Cuban leadership, suggesting a renewed focus on human rights and democratic accountability in the region.