US imposes Sanctions on Cuban Police Force and Leaders

USA has imposed sanctions on the Cuban police force and two of their leaders following recent protests in Cuba against the Communist government of the country.

Highlights

• Earlier this month, thousands of protesters took to the streets frustrated with the crippled economy along with lack of food and electricity.
• President of USA Joe Biden said in Friday’s meeting with US-Cuba leaders that there will be more sanctions unless there is a radical change in Cuba.
• Earlier Friday, the US Treasury Department announced the latest sanctions against Cuba, saying they were a response to the crackdown on peaceful protests in Cuba which began on July 11.
• Thousands of Cubans took to the streets to join the biggest protests against the Cuban government in decades. Protesters protest against commodity shortages, power outages, restrictions on civil liberties and the government’s handling of the Coronavirus pandemic.

On whom were the sanctions imposed?

US sanctions have been imposed on Cuban police chief Oscar Callejas Valcarce and his deputy, Eddy Sierra Arias, as well as the island’s police force.

Other sanctions

Last week, USA sanctioned the Cuban Secretary of Defense and the Communist Special Forces Brigade for the forceful suppression of the peaceful demonstrations that were held on the island.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021