Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/15/cuba-protesters-sentenced-20-years-anti-government-july
This week, the Cuban courts sentenced protesters from the July 11 and 12 protests. Cubans took to the streets in cities all over upset with low wages, shortages, and power outages. Despite protests being majority peaceful, it is estimated that some 1,300 people were arrested and hundreds still await trial. The socialist government in Cuba contributed to the harsh, long jail sentences for protesters. The government also blames the United States embargo for conditions in the country. Human rights groups in the country say the government silences the people and uses the judicial system to prevent freedom of speech.
Majority peaceful protestors are now being sentenced up to 20 years in prison. Mass trials continue despite activists and international organizations pushing for freedom, and the communist government has said that it will not give way on the issue of ‘rebellions’ like these. Many still await trial, where the court system is not expected to be any more forgiving on the issues. Activists speaking out against the unjust punishments have been targeted by Cuban officials. The Biden administration has stated its support of the people against the violent governmental crackdown against the protests, but little has been done to physically help the population lacking adequate food, vaccines, and living conditions.
The United States’ complicated relationship with Cuba has had a rocky past few years with the changes of administration in the United States. Despite peace and reinstatement of diplomatic relations under the Obama administration, the Trump administration proved to bring a new set of challenges to the navigation of US-Cuban relationships. President Trump began by restricting travel and business relations with Cuban businesses connected to the military. Then as time went on, Trump banned commercial flights and other modes of transportation to Cuba along with banning other financial transactions with the country. After Trump’s exit from office and reinstatement of Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, the Biden administration sought to repair ties by supporting the people of the country.