Over the past weekend, the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) has intensified revolutionary affirmation activities across various provinces. This follows the violent death of Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez, a sector chief in Caibarién, which has prompted a political and media offensive by the Cuban regime. The government is portraying the crime as a threat to national stability and a reason to tighten social control.
Mesa Rodríguez, aged 62, was discovered dead early Friday morning on a stretch of road between Remedios and Caibarién, with six stab wounds and a gunshot to the head. Nearby, his official motorcycle was found, which he used in his duties. The alleged perpetrator was apprehended in Remedios, and according to the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), the officer's service pistol and the knife used in the murder were recovered from him.
Revolutionary Affirmation Ceremonies
According to Canal Caribe, just before officers headed out for duty at the Patrol Brigade of the General Police Directorate, a ceremony was held to reaffirm the "overwhelming support of the people" and to denounce "attempts by enemies to undermine order and peace." Similar ceremonies took place across all municipalities in Havana, as reported by Tribuna de La Habana, as part of a national movement to honor the slain officer and support the MININT.
On social media, the official Minint Hoy page displayed images of police in Sancti Spíritus holding photos of Raúl Castro and reading political commitment statements, underscoring the ideological nature the regime seeks to ascribe to this incident.
The official response extended beyond the police force. President Miguel Díaz-Canel also seized the moment to amplify the message of social control. During the commencement of the fourth National Exercise for crime prevention and response, he called for ensuring "citizen tranquility, social discipline, and respect for internal order," amid rising protests across the country driven by economic woes, power outages, food shortages, and the collapse of essential services.
"Tackling crime must be a daily task," Díaz-Canel emphasized, echoing the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations, where dozens of Cubans have faced sentences ranging from three to nine years in prison for chanting slogans like "Freedom" or "Homeland and Life."
Cuban Police Alert and Social Control
What triggered the Cuban police's heightened alert?
The alert was heightened following the violent death of Captain Leonel Mesa Rodríguez, which the regime views as a threat to national stability.
How is the Cuban government portraying the crime?
The Cuban government is portraying the crime as an attempt to undermine the country's stability and as justification for increased social control.
What measures has President Díaz-Canel called for?
President Díaz-Canel has called for ensuring citizen tranquility, social discipline, and respect for internal order amid rising protests.