The Biden administration announced the removal of Cuba from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) list, citing insufficient evidence for the designation and as part of efforts to secure the release of political prisoners jailed after July 2021 protests.
The decision includes additional measures to encourage Cuba’s compliance, such as waiving Title III of the Helms-Burton Act to block property claims in U.S. courts and ending Trump-era financial sanctions. Amnesty International estimates 671 individuals remain jailed in Cuba for protesting against the regime.
While Cuba’s Foreign Ministry praised the move, U.S. lawmakers remain divided. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) introduced legislation to prevent Cuba’s removal from the SST list without significant political reforms. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) pledged to reverse the decision under a future Trump administration.
Cuban officials and global allies, including the Catholic Church, have welcomed the changes, which the U.S. says will facilitate prisoner releases by January 20.
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
