(The Slice): The Biden administration unloaded new sanctions against the government of Cuba on Thursday. Since the July 11 uprising there the government has clamped down on controlling the people, blocking access to communication and vital goods.
The U.S. is working to ensure the citizens have internet access and has enlisted the aid of Cuban American leaders to stall the oppressive regime. Biden put the heat on top Cuban military official and a government security unit which critics say isn't enough. AOC is calling on Biden to end the "cruel" embargos.
In his most forceful message on the conflict to date the POTUS released a statement implying the U.S won't stop sanctioning the communist regime until they are held accountable for oppressing people in the island nation, saying "This is just the beginning–the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people."
Actor Laz Alonzo, son of a Cuban immigrants and star of "LAs Finest" has embraced protesters in a video posted on social media. "If you even think of speaking out against the government, eve in a whisper you will get ratted out by your neighbors," he says.
The full statement from Pres. Biden follows:
Statement by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on Continuing Crackdown in Cuba
I unequivocally condemn the mass detentions and sham trials that are unjustly sentencing to prison those who dared to speak out in an effort to intimidate and threaten the Cuban people into silence. The Cuban people have the same right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly as all people. The United States stands with the brave Cubans who have taken to the streets to oppose 62 years of repression under a communist regime.
Today, my Administration is imposing new sanctions targeting elements of the Cuban regime responsible for this crackdown—the head of the Cuban military and the division of the Cuban Ministry of the Interior driving the crackdown—to hold them accountable for their actions. This is just the beginning–the United States will continue to sanction individuals responsible for oppression of the Cuban people.
As we hold the Cuban regime accountable, our support for the Cuban people is unwavering and we are making sure Cuban Americans are a vital partner in our efforts to provide relief to suffering people on the Island. We are working with civil society organizations and the private sector to provide internet access to the Cuban people that circumvents the regime’s censorship efforts. We are reviewing our remittance policy to determine how we can maximize support to the Cuban people. And we are committed to restaffing our embassy in Havana to provide consular services to Cubans and enhance our ability to engage with civil society, while ensuring the safety of U.S. diplomats serving in Cuba.
Advancing human dignity and freedom is a top priority for my Administration, and we will work closely with our partners throughout the region, including the Organization of American States, to pressure the regime to immediately release wrongfully detained political prisoners, restore internet access, and allow the Cuban people to enjoy their fundamental rights.