This past Sunday, the Cuban government commenced its initial round of arrests targeting individuals who participated in a peaceful protest in Gibara, Holguín. The demonstration took place in the early hours of September 14, following a power outage that lasted more than 24 hours. Social media footage shows police patrols navigating through the town's streets, detaining residents involved in the pot-banging protest.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared videos depicting the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) vehicles in residential areas, as officers interacted with locals in what activists have described as a "government hunt." The crackdown occurred shortly after Nayla Marieta Leyva Rodríguez, the Communist Party secretary in Gibara, claimed on Facebook that the protest unfolded in an "atmosphere of respect and dialogue."
In her message, the official urged citizens to "have faith in our tremendous Revolution" and the authorities, who she said were diligently working to resolve the energy crisis. This narrative stands in stark contrast to the official channel Gibaravisión's report, which stated that residents "returned home in peace" after engaging with local authorities.
The state-run platform 'Realidades desde Holguín' attempted to project an image of normalcy, asserting on Sunday that "Villa Blanca wakes up as usual, with the scent of the sea and simple, humble people," and claimed that local authorities remain in the municipality with "open ears and hearts" to listen to the populace. However, online comments painted a different picture. While some users supported the government's stance with phrases like "We shall overcome" and "Beautiful Gibara," the majority harshly criticized the official narrative.
One user remarked, "Without sleep, there's no peace; without water, there's no peace; without food, there's no peace," as others reported that the government had already "started hunting the people" and noted that electricity returned promptly after the protest. Amidst messages of outrage, sarcasm, and accusations of manipulation, many reminded that the unrest was not isolated and warned that "more demonstrations will follow" if the government continues to fail in providing real solutions to the energy crisis.
Contrary to claims of harmony between authorities and protesters, the arrest footage and police presence confirm that the demonstration did not go without repercussions for participants. The protest in Gibara is set against a backdrop of widespread dissatisfaction due to the ongoing power outages affecting the entire country. On September 10, the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant led to the fifth nationwide blackout in less than a year, plunging millions of Cubans into darkness.
As of now, the exact number of detainees remains unknown, and it is unclear whether they will face legal proceedings. What is evident is that the official response contradicts the initial narrative of "empathy and respect" and reinforces the government's repressive approach to public dissent. The arrests in Gibara add to the mounting tension between the authorities and citizens, who demand urgent solutions to the energy crisis and improved living conditions amid an island beset by hardship and uncertainty.
Understanding the Gibara Protests and Arrests
What sparked the protests in Gibara?
The protests in Gibara were triggered by a power outage that lasted over 24 hours, part of a series of ongoing blackouts affecting the entire country.
How did the Cuban authorities respond to the protests?
Cuban authorities responded by initiating arrests of the protest participants, with police patrols seen detaining residents involved in the demonstration.
What was the official narrative regarding the protest?
The official narrative claimed the protest occurred in an atmosphere of respect and dialogue, suggesting that residents returned home peacefully after discussions with local authorities.
Why are residents critical of the government's response?
Residents are critical because the government's response involved arrests and a heavy police presence, contradicting claims of peaceful resolution and ignoring the underlying issues causing public dissatisfaction.