The prominent Cuban dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, has called for the immediate release of individuals detained following the recent protests in Baire, a municipality in Santiago de Cuba. This week, numerous residents took to the streets demanding essential resources like food, electricity, and freedom amidst ongoing power outages.
In a post on his Facebook profile, Ferrer, who leads the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), condemned the arrests of nurse Humberto Nieto Sierra and pediatrician Erlis Sierra Gómez. Ferrer identified them as victims of the political repression instigated by the regime following the October 16 demonstrations.
“Reports have come in that nurse Humberto Nieto Sierra was apprehended by political police in Baire, Santiago de Cuba, for upholding the spirit of rebellion against the Castro-communist tyranny. The crackdown on the demonstrators from the night of the 16th continues. It's crucial to denounce these actions and provide resources to support the families of those detained and persecuted,” Ferrer wrote.
Repression and Arrests of Medical Professionals
Among those arrested, Ferrer highlighted the case of Dr. Erlis Sierra Gómez, a pediatrician and father of two. He was reportedly taken in handcuffs from Contramaestre to Santiago de Cuba after being detained on Friday morning, according to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
Ania Gómez, the doctor's mother, recounted that officers from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) arrived at their home in the El Transformador neighborhood, requesting her son accompany them “for a conversation.” However, upon reaching the police station, he was arrested alongside another neighbor and taken through the back entrance.
“I am desperate and know nothing about him. My son didn’t harm anyone; he merely sought solutions for the community,” Ania Gómez expressed in a video shared on social media. The family later learned that Erlis had been transferred to the Ministry of the Interior's Operations Unit in Santiago de Cuba, with no access to legal or family visits.
Protests and Government Crackdown
Erlis Sierra emerged as a prominent figure in the Baire protests after a video circulated showing him peacefully urging local authorities to address the shortages of water, food, and electricity, citing the Cuban Constitution’s guarantee of free speech.
“I am not afraid to go because our Constitution clearly states I have freedom of expression,” he is heard saying in the video that surfaced on social media last Thursday. On the night of October 16, dozens of residents banged pots and shouted “Freedom!” and “Down with Díaz-Canel!” during a blackout that lasted over 30 hours.
In response, the regime cut off internet access and deployed police and state security forces to quell the demonstrations. Local activists have reported that, along with Sierra and Nieto, Osmani Heredia and several residents from the most active neighborhoods in Baire were also detained. Testimonies reveal that the political police are conducting a “hunt for demonstrators” with summonses, threats, and constant surveillance.
International Solidarity and Calls for Action
So far, Cuban authorities have not provided official information about the detainees or the charges against them. State media have remained silent on both the protests and the arrests in Santiago de Cuba. On social media, the pediatrician’s case has sparked a wave of solidarity under the hashtag #FreeErlisSierra. Users from both inside and outside the island, as well as human rights organizations, are demanding his release and condemning the systematic use of repression against peaceful protesters.
“Erlis is a doctor, a father, and a citizen. His only crime was speaking with dignity,” a user wrote on X (Twitter), while Ferrer reiterated his appeal to the international community to “condemn the abuses and support the families of the detainees.”
The Baire demonstrations are the most significant in Santiago de Cuba since July 11, 2021. They come amidst a severe economic and energy crisis, leading to power outages exceeding 20 hours, water and food shortages, and outbreaks of diseases across several provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Baire Protests
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban dissident and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), known for his opposition to the Cuban regime.
What prompted the protests in Baire?
The protests in Baire were driven by prolonged power outages and the lack of basic necessities such as food and water, leading residents to demand change and freedom.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The Cuban government has responded with repression, arresting demonstrators, cutting off internet access, and deploying police forces to suppress the protests.