White House demands release of protesters
U.S. President Joe Biden last night demanded Cuba release dozens of protesters arrested in the most widespread demonstrations against the Communist government in a generation.
With more than 100 demonstrators in jail and one person dead, pressure is mounting on Biden to respond to the crackdown.
His administration said it was reviewing its policy on Cuba, before calling for the release of protesters rounded up by authorities and “disappeared.”
It came as the Cuban regime restored internet access following three days of interruptions. But access to social media and messaging apps such as Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter remained blocked on 3G and 4G. Social media is the only way Cubans can access independent media, while messaging apps are their main means of communicating among themselves.
Web monitoring group Netblocks reported disruptions from Monday in Cuba on major social media and communications platforms.
Biden has been coming under intense pressure, mainly from Republicans, to respond to the protests. He has been urged to launch cyber attacks against the Cuban regime and provide internet via satellite to the beleaguered population.
Lindsay Graham, the South Carolina senator, told Fox News that there should be fresh sanctions imposed against individuals and that America should launch cyber attacks against Cuba.
Florida’s Republican governor, Ron Desantis, has asked companies to explore the possibility of using satellites to provide internet coverage to Cubans who are currently facing government-imposed blackouts.
Elsewhere in the state, Miami mayor Francis Suarez said the option of military air strikes “has to be explored.” The clamour for action has been loudest in southern Florida, which has the largest Cuban population in the United States.