The United States announced sanctions Thursday against Miguel Díaz-Canel, the designated president of Cuba, citing “serious human rights violations” related to the government’s violent crackdown on mass protests in July 2021. This marks the first time the U.S. has directly sanctioned Díaz-Canel.
The sanctions come under a U.S. policy that allows restrictions on foreign officials implicated in grave human rights abuses. The Department of State said Díaz-Canel played a leading role in the repression of Cuban citizens who participated in the largest anti-government protests seen on the island in decades.
In addition to Díaz-Canel, Cuba’s Minister of Defense and Minister of the Interior have also been sanctioned. All three officials are now banned from entering the United States. The measures are largely symbolic but send a strong diplomatic signal regarding the Biden administration’s position on human rights in Cuba.
The Cuban government has not yet issued an official response. Human rights groups welcomed the decision, saying it reflects growing international pressure on Havana for its handling of dissent and political prisoners.
