The funny thing is, looking at the sanctions FAQ: https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/topic/1541
I don't doubt that Hasan could have spent the money to qualify as a "journalist" or some other exception like public performances. Which is why if you watch say, Anthony Bourdain's old shows, they stay in the sanctioned hotels. They're historical, the whole reason the regime seized them, so showing them is part of the job.
I bet he just flew there basically on a whim making regular ass reservations like a tourist. But I'm sure that some of the other flotilla people are aware of these things:
Technically by violating the sanctions you can get 10 years in prison and/or fine up to $250K. But it looks like in practice the fine is essentially limited to what you paid to the state officials, which is why the government essentially doesn't really care for most people. Everybody on the list of judgements is a company or someone who spent millions of dollars. Even doing actual business with Party officials it looks like the government just makes you pay them what you paid the Cuban officials. I wonder if the feds have even prosecuted anyone for ever staying in a sanctioned hotel.
I don't doubt that Hasan could have spent the money to qualify as a "journalist" or some other exception like public performances. Which is why if you watch say, Anthony Bourdain's old shows, they stay in the sanctioned hotels. They're historical, the whole reason the regime seized them, so showing them is part of the job.
I bet he just flew there basically on a whim making regular ass reservations like a tourist. But I'm sure that some of the other flotilla people are aware of these things:
Quote:707. What constitutes “support for the Cuban people” for generally authorized travel and other transactions?
Section 515.574 of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are intended to provide support for the Cuban people, which include activities of recognized human rights organizations; independent organizations designed to promote a rapid, peaceful transition to democracy; and individuals and non-governmental organizations that promote independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba. In accordance with NSPM-5, OFAC amended this general license on November 8, 2017 to require that each traveler utilizing this authorization engage in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities and that result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. OFAC also amended this general license to exclude from the authorization certain direct financial transactions with entities and subentities identified on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List. Also, and effective September 24, 2020, OFAC amended this general license to exclude from the authorization lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to lodge, at any property in Cuba on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by § 515.210.
Quote:708. What constitutes “humanitarian projects” for generally authorized transactions, including travel-related transactions?
Section 515.575 of the CACR contains a general license that authorizes, subject to conditions, transactions, including travel-related transactions, that are related to humanitarian projects in or related to Cuba. These authorized humanitarian projects are: medical and health-related projects; construction projects intended to benefit legitimately independent civil society groups; disaster preparedness, relief, and response; historical preservation; environmental projects; projects involving formal or non-formal educational training, within Cuba or off-island, on the following topics: entrepreneurship and business, civil education, journalism, advocacy and organizing, adult literacy, or vocational skills; community-based grassroots projects; projects suitable to the development of small-scale private enterprise; projects that are related to agricultural and rural development that promote independent activity; microfinancing projects, except for loans, extensions of credit, or other financing prohibited by 31 CFR § 515.208; and projects to meet basic human needs. Also, and effective September 24, 2020, OFAC amended this general license to exclude from the authorization lodging, paying for lodging, or making any reservation for or on behalf of a third party to lodge, at any property in Cuba on the Cuba Prohibited Accommodations List to the extent prohibited by § 515.210. For a complete description of the scope of this prohibition, see 31 CFR § 515.210. For persons traveling pursuant to this authorization, the traveler’s schedule of activities must not include free time or recreation in excess of that consistent with a full-time schedule in Cuba. An entire group does not qualify for this general license merely because some members of the group qualify individually. For a complete description of what this general license authorizes and the restrictions that apply, see 31 CFR § 515.575
Technically by violating the sanctions you can get 10 years in prison and/or fine up to $250K. But it looks like in practice the fine is essentially limited to what you paid to the state officials, which is why the government essentially doesn't really care for most people. Everybody on the list of judgements is a company or someone who spent millions of dollars. Even doing actual business with Party officials it looks like the government just makes you pay them what you paid the Cuban officials. I wonder if the feds have even prosecuted anyone for ever staying in a sanctioned hotel.
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