
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Cuba to immediately release more than 700 political prisoners following the release of prominent dissident artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Rubio praised the activist for standing up against Cuba's communist government and described the San Isidro Movement as a symbol of hope for the Cuban people. The artist has been granted humanitarian parole in the United States after spending five years in prison.

Marco Rubio urges Cuba to release 700 political prisoners after Dissident artist arrives in US

<p>US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-friendly-takeover-of-another-us-neighbour-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-cuba-us-cuba-nicolas-maduro-1772259439086"><strong>Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know</strong></a></p><h2><strong>When will the US 'take' Iran?</strong></h2><p>“You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further.</p><p>Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-it-s-a-question-of-time-trump-vows-to-turn-us-focus-to-cuba-once-iran-conflict-is-finished-israel-tehran-carribean-island-1772759431337"><strong>'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished'</strong></a></p><h2><strong>US wants a regime change in Cuba?</strong></h2><p>As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power.</p><h2><strong>Blackout in Cuba</strong></h2><p>This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity.</p><p>Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could “take” Cuba, as the island nation plunged into a nationwide blackout triggered by a deepening fuel crisis linked to Washington’s oil pressure campaign. He said he believes he'll have the "honour of taking Cuba". Trump's latest statement on the US "taking" a neighbouring nation comes after America captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and as the nation, for the 18th day, remains engaged in a war with Iran. Also read | Trump threatens 'friendly takeover' of another US neighbour. Here's all you need to know When will the US 'take' Iran? “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I do believe I’ll be… having the honour of taking Cuba,” he added, before going further. Referring to Cuba, which is currently facing a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil embargo imposed by Washington as a "weakened nation" he forebodingly added, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it." This marked one of Trump's most explicit threats against the communist ruled nation. Also read | 'It's a question of time': Trump vows to turn US focus to THIS neighbour once Iran war is 'finished' US wants a regime change in Cuba? As the US and Cuba hold talks on the island nation's future, Trump has told administration officials that he wants President Miguel Diaz-Canel removed from power. According to a New York Times report, Trump is looking to topple the leftist Diaz-Canal but is open to letting the communist government hold onto power. Blackout in Cuba This comes as Cuba’s national power grid collapsed, leaving much of the country without electricity. Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE) in a statement described it as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” with efforts underway to restore supply. Power cuts have become routine across the island in recent months, with some regions facing outages lasting up to 20 hours a day.

<p>Declaring that he can do "anything I want" with a "weakened nation," President Donald Trump has signalled that Cuba is the next target in his global campaign of reasserting American power. Here's what he said.</p>

'I can do anything I want with it': Trump brags of Cuba’s collapse as a complete blackout hits 9.6 million people

<p>Hundreds in&nbsp;Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and&nbsp;Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace."</p>

<p>Protesters in Santiago chanted "power and food," according to videos posted on social media, as blackouts across much of the island's provinces extended for 18 hours or more a day.</p>

<p>Tensions have soared in recent weeks on the Communist-run Caribbean island as food, fuel and medicine shortages have also grown more acute.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Cuba: Strong waves flood streets, disrupt power supply</strong></p>

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<p>Diaz-Canel confirmed the protest on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>"Several people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation of electrical service and food distribution," Diaz-Canel said. "The disposition of the authorities of the Party, the State and the Government is to attend to the complaints of our people, listen, dialogue, explain the numerous efforts that are being carried out to improve the situation, always in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjLpK3-6vyEAxVVxjgGHWDTBF8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-condemns-us-embargo-on-cuba-calls-it-illegal-636795" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-condemns-us-embargo-on-cuba-calls-it-illegal-636795&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLpK3-6vyEAxVVxjgGHWDTBF8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Brazil’s President Lula condemns US embargo on Cuba, calls it ‘illegal’</a></strong></p>

<p>Diaz-Canel also said "terrorists" from the United States were seeking to foment further uprisings.</p>

<p>"This context will be taken advantage of by the enemies of the Revolution, for destabilizing purposes," Diaz-Canel said on X.</p>

<p>Police had arrived in Santiago to "prevent violence," according to an account posted on social media by state-run&nbsp;CubaDebate.</p>

<p>Protests in&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;are exceedingly rare but have cropped up more often in recent years as economic crisis racks the island.</p>

<p>Although the country's 2019 constitution grants&nbsp;Cubans the right to protest, a law more specifically defining that right is stalled in the legislature.</p>

<p>Rights groups, the European Union and the United States have critiqued&nbsp;Cuba's response to protests on July 11, 2021 - the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution - as heavy-handed and repressive.</p>

<p>Cuba's government said those jailed were guilty of assault, vandalism and sedition.</p>


Hundreds in Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

Hundreds in Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace." Protesters in Santiago chanted "power and food," according to videos posted on social media, as blackouts across much of the island's provinces extended for 18 hours or more a day. Tensions have soared in recent weeks on the Communist-run Caribbean island as food, fuel and medicine shortages have also grown more acute. Watch: Cuba: Strong waves flood streets, disrupt power supply × Diaz-Canel confirmed the protest on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Several people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation of electrical service and food distribution," Diaz-Canel said. "The disposition of the authorities of the Party, the State and the Government is to attend to the complaints of our people, listen, dialogue, explain the numerous efforts that are being carried out to improve the situation, always in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace." Also read: Brazil’s President Lula condemns US embargo on Cuba, calls it ‘illegal’ Diaz-Canel also said "terrorists" from the United States were seeking to foment further uprisings. "This context will be taken advantage of by the enemies of the Revolution, for destabilizing purposes," Diaz-Canel said on X. Police had arrived in Santiago to "prevent violence," according to an account posted on social media by state-run CubaDebate. Protests in Cuba are exceedingly rare but have cropped up more often in recent years as economic crisis racks the island. Although the country's 2019 constitution grants Cubans the right to protest, a law more specifically defining that right is stalled in the legislature. Rights groups, the European Union and the United States have critiqued Cuba's response to protests on July 11, 2021 - the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution - as heavy-handed and repressive. Cuba's government said those jailed were guilty of assault, vandalism and sedition.

Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials

<p>Cuba has become the second country in Latin America and the Caribbean to legalise euthanasia — the practise of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering — following in the footsteps of Colombia. The decision was approved by the Communist-run country's National Assembly as part of a legislation that was aimed at updating the legal framework of Cuba's universal and free healthcare system.</p>

<p>The recently passed legislation affirms, "The right of people to a dignified death is recognised in end-of-life decisions, which may include the limitation of therapeutic effort, continuous or palliative care, and valid procedures that end life."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The development marks a significant step for the South American nation as it establishes guidelines for future euthanasia practices which cover&nbsp;both active euthanasia and assisted suicide.</p>

<p>The subjects&nbsp;of euthanasia and medically assisted suicide are&nbsp;often met with religious opposition&nbsp;and continue to stir global controversy. While only a handful of countries permit these practices, some view them as contentious and akin to murder.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/world/europe/between-legal-and-moral-the-case-for-and-against-euthanasia-1700327497895">Between legal and moral: The case for and against Euthanasia</a></strong></p>

<p>At Havana’s Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, the country’s leading cancer centre, Dr Alberto Roque, who has a masters in bioethics, welcomed the measure and said it established the "legal framework for future euthanasia in any of its forms, that is, active euthanasia or assisted suicide."</p>

<h2><strong>Discourse in Cuba around euthanasia</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report by Reuters, outside the cancer institute, 47-year-old nurse Suaima Lopez, suffering from rectal cancer, said she favoured euthanasia in case she or other patients did not recover.</p>

<p>"Families want to keep loved ones alive until the very, very last moment but one has to think of those suffering," Lopez was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Roman actress opts for assisted suicide in Switzerland</strong></p>

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<p>"If only we could have a dignified death… at a certain moment when nothing can be done anymore… let me die peacefully, in peace and harmony," she said.</p>

<p>Countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, and certain U.S. states already permit euthanasia and, in some instances, medically assisted suicide for cases of intense suffering without a terminal illness.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Cuba has become the second country in Latin America and the Caribbean to legalise euthanasia — the practise of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering — following in the footsteps of Colombia.

Cuba has become the second country in Latin America and the Caribbean to legalise euthanasia — the practise of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering — following in the footsteps of Colombia. The decision was approved by the Communist-run country's National Assembly as part of a legislation that was aimed at updating the legal framework of Cuba's universal and free healthcare system. The recently passed legislation affirms, "The right of people to a dignified death is recognised in end-of-life decisions, which may include the limitation of therapeutic effort, continuous or palliative care, and valid procedures that end life." What does it mean? The development marks a significant step for the South American nation as it establishes guidelines for future euthanasia practices which cover both active euthanasia and assisted suicide. The subjects of euthanasia and medically assisted suicide are often met with religious opposition and continue to stir global controversy. While only a handful of countries permit these practices, some view them as contentious and akin to murder. Also read | Between legal and moral: The case for and against Euthanasia At Havana’s Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, the country’s leading cancer centre, Dr Alberto Roque, who has a masters in bioethics, welcomed the measure and said it established the "legal framework for future euthanasia in any of its forms, that is, active euthanasia or assisted suicide." Discourse in Cuba around euthanasia According to a report by Reuters, outside the cancer institute, 47-year-old nurse Suaima Lopez, suffering from rectal cancer, said she favoured euthanasia in case she or other patients did not recover. "Families want to keep loved ones alive until the very, very last moment but one has to think of those suffering," Lopez was quoted as saying by Reuters. Also watch | Gravitas: Roman actress opts for assisted suicide in Switzerland × "If only we could have a dignified death… at a certain moment when nothing can be done anymore… let me die peacefully, in peace and harmony," she said. Countries like Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Australia, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, and certain U.S. states already permit euthanasia and, in some instances, medically assisted suicide for cases of intense suffering without a terminal illness. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Right to a dignified death’: Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia

Earlier this month, Cubans gathered for the largest protests the island nation has seen since 1959. The demonstrations have been met with a brutal government crackdown.

Cuba protesters in Washington want Prez Biden to intervene

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Marco Rubio urges Cuba to release 700 political prisoners after Dissident artist arrives in US

I can do anything I want: Trump eyes next conquest as Cuba plunges into blackout

Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials

‘Right to a dignified death’: Cuba follows Colombia as it legalises euthanasia

Cuba protesters in Washington want Prez Biden to intervene