Joe Biden hits Cuba with more sanctions over its violent crackdown on protesters

The sanctions target government ministers who are deemed responsible for the repression of protesters demanding more freedom, food and health care

It is unclear what effect the sanctions would have, since few of the blacklisted individuals are likely to have assets or business dealings in the US

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A demonstrator in solidarity with protests in Cuba outside the White House on July 18. Photo: Getty Images / TNS

Published: 7:38am, 23 Jul 2021Updated: 8:16pm, 23 Jul 2021

The Biden administration on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions against the besieged Cuban government for its violent crackdown on demonstrators.

Officials said the sanctions target specific members of the communist-ruled island’s government who are deemed responsible for the repression of protesters demanding more freedom, food and health care.

“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,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement. “The United States stands with the brave Cubans who have taken to the streets to oppose 62 years of repression under a communist regime.”

Joe Biden faces mounting criticism from hardliners in Congress seeking stronger retaliation against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Photo: EPA/Bloomberg

The measures come as Biden faces mounting criticism from hardliners in both political parties in Congress seeking stronger retaliation against Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his associates.

It is unclear, however, what effect the sanctions would have since few of those blacklisted individuals are likely to have assets in the US or business dealings with US firms.

Some conduct business in Europe and Latin America, and the US sanctions could have an effect there.

Joe Biden hits Cuba with more sanctions over its violent crackdown on protesters

The sanctions target government ministers who are deemed responsible for the repression of protesters demanding more freedom, food and health care It is unclear what effect the sanctions would have, since few of the blacklisted individuals are likely to have assets or business dealings in the US

The sanctions target government ministers who are deemed responsible for the repression of protesters demanding more freedom, food and health care

It is unclear what effect the sanctions would have, since few of the blacklisted individuals are likely to have assets or business dealings in the US