U.S. Increases Pressure on Cuba With Fuel Blockade and Legal Moves
The U.S. has expanded an oil blockade that has caused nationwide blackouts and fuel shortages in Cuba. Federal prosecutors are preparing an indictment against Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president.
The GuardianThe U.S. has expanded an oil blockade against Cuba that has caused nationwide blackouts and fuel shortages. The government admitted on Wednesday that fuel oil had run out. Tourism has collapsed and schools and universities have closed. Surveillance flights are circling the island.
UN experts warn that the blockade is unlawful, puts human rights at risk and may amount to collective punishment. Hospitals are battling to treat patients amid the shortages.
U.S. media reported this weekend that federal prosecutors are preparing an indictment for Raúl Castro, the 94-year-old former president and brother of Fidel. The move follows the removal of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.
Canadian mining company Sherritt pulled out of a joint venture.
Countries have axed their contracts for Cuban doctors, a vital source of income for the island. Havana may hope that it can stagger on. A military assault on Havana would be vastly more fraught for the U.S. and disastrous for Cubans. Washington hopes that threats and privation will be sufficient.
