University Lecturer in Cienfuegos Accused of Threatening Medical Students After Protest

A faculty member at the University of Medical Sciences in Cienfuegos has come under fire for allegedly threatening students following a peaceful protest over the dire condition of dormitories and frequent power outages. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has sparked an outcry and heightened concern about the increasing harassment faced by university students in Cuba.

The video, shared with CiberCuba by a student who wished to remain anonymous, shows a man on the rooftop of a university building brandishing a stick and shouting menacingly: "Forward! Do you want more? Homeland or Death, we will prevail!" This action has been interpreted as a direct provocation toward the students, especially in light of recent demonstrations.

A social media user, identified as Patria y Libertad on the platform X, highlighted the incident, stating that the instructor acted out of "fear of a pot-banging protest," a form of demonstration popularized by students during blackouts, where they bang pots to make their voices heard amidst the silence imposed by the lack of electricity.

Screenshots shared by user San Memero reveal that the young woman who recorded the video was forced to delete it and was reportedly detained by State Security agents, according to unverified reports.

"The students were banging pots because the power was cut in the dormitories. Moreover, the teacher’s outlets, which are on a separate circuit and always have power, were removed, and they protested against ETECSA's tariffs," explained a message that circulated widely.

In response, the communist professor reportedly arrived on the scene, shouting political slogans and threats, just as the electricity was restored and security agents appeared.

"When the university students realize their power, the show is over," warned San Memero on social media, capturing the sentiment of a generation beginning to shed its fear.

A Climate of Intimidation

This incident follows closely on the heels of peaceful protests by students in Cienfuegos and Guantánamo against the living conditions at their universities: power cuts, lack of potable water, spoiled food, and dilapidated infrastructure. Instead of solutions, many have faced threats from university officials and repressive forces.

"They threatened to expel us from our scholarships. They try to instill fear as they have since 1959," reported Camila Hernández, one of the affected students, on Facebook.

"When we demand what is rightfully ours, when we raise our voices, they all appear in droves to silence us," she added.

The Regime's Response

While young university students demand basic conditions for their studies, the official narrative continues to undermine their legitimacy. In the 30th episode of his podcast "From the Presidency," leader Díaz-Canel accused the protesters of being "manipulated from abroad" and labeled them as "antisocial" and "delinquents."

These statements starkly contrast the reality many students face: crumbling facilities, failing basic services, and a climate of censorship and repression. Students, especially those training to be future healthcare professionals, insist their demands are not political but human. They plead for light, water, decent food, and respect while confronting an institutional apparatus seemingly more interested in silencing them than in listening.