Just aftercelebrations of the centenaryThe United States announced on Thursday, October 20, new sanctions against Cuba, targeting nine organizations and three individuals, who are accused by the government of President Donald Trump of activities contrary to the interests of the United States.
The primary target is the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples (ICAP), but the sanctions also hit the Cuban Ministry of Construction and seven other organizations. Among the sanctioned individuals are Fernando Gonzalez Llort, president of ICAP and member of the Cuban Five, intelligence officials imprisoned by the U.S. in 1998; Noemi Ramona Rabaza Fernandez, first vice-president of ICAP; and Leima Martinez Freire, ICAP director for North America.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that ICAP maintains a wide network of influence within the United States, aiming to "identify, recruit, and radicalize subversives, operating under the guise of educational or cultural exchange."
According to him, Cuba used the events of Fidel's centenary, celebrated on August 13th, to activate this network in order to bring sympathizers to Havana to interact with government authorities.
"Today's designations make clear that the Trump administration will not tolerate the Cuban regime's efforts to fund its repression or continue its long-standing campaign of anti-American subversive activities," Rubio stated.
Historical Blockage
Since the end of January, the United States government has severely restricted the imports of oil and fuels that Cuba needs to maintain normal functioning of the country.
Through an executive order, President Donald Trump threatens to impose sanctions on any country or company that “sells or supplies” crude oil to the island.
The energy crisis is felt in every corner of Cuba. There are regions where families go through entire days without electricity, and when the power finally comes back, it lasts only two or three hours before being cut off again.