A billboard showcasing a large image of Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel was found defaced with black paint in Santiago de Cuba. This incident underscores the increasing social unrest on the island.
The act occurred overnight during a power outage at the intersection of Trocha and 12 de Agosto Avenue.
Communicator Yosmany Mayeta reported on Facebook that this is the second time this particular billboard has been targeted, leading to significant police presence.
"Witnesses at the scene noted that police with black berets and plainclothes officers quickly flooded the area, a stark contrast to the lack of solutions for the real issues affecting the people: endless blackouts, shortages, hunger, and despair," he criticized.
Mayeta emphasized that the black paint not only obscures a billboard but also symbolizes the exhaustion, anger, and diminishing fear of a population disillusioned with propaganda and slogans.
"As the country dims, the discontent ignites," he remarked.
Such actions have been openly encouraged by opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who has urged Cubans via social media to create graffiti opposing the government and deface official billboards.
In a Facebook post, Ferrer shared photos of defaced images of Raúl and Fidel Castro alongside anti-Díaz-Canel and Communist Party messages.
"With a small contribution from thousands, we can liberate Cuba. You can now place your graffiti or poster for freedom and deface a communist billboard," Ferrer stated.
He also requested that participants document their actions with videos and send them to him via WhatsApp at +1 305 970 8858.
"Even military personnel are joining in. Good, intelligent, and brave Cubans want to contribute because they refuse to bow down when the tyranny falls," he asserted.
According to Ferrer, the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) is running the "Paint Your Graffiti, Deface a Communist Billboard" campaign, aimed at vandalizing billboards featuring images of Fidel and Raúl Castro.
"Join these actions for a free, democratic, just, and prosperous Cuba. (...) If you don't fight, don't complain about the misery, blackouts, and injustices you suffer in our beloved homeland, held hostage by Castro-communism," he declared.
Understanding the Rising Discontent in Cuba
What sparked the defacement of Díaz-Canel's billboard?
The defacement of Díaz-Canel's billboard is a result of growing social unrest in Cuba, fueled by dissatisfaction with the government's handling of economic and social issues such as power outages, shortages, and general despair.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is an opposition leader in Cuba who has been vocal in encouraging citizens to protest against the government through acts such as graffiti and vandalizing official billboards.
What is the "Paint Your Graffiti, Deface a Communist Billboard" campaign?
This campaign, led by the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), aims to inspire Cubans to protest the government by defacing billboards with images of Fidel and Raúl Castro, symbolizing resistance against the communist regime.