In recent hours, new signs opposing the Cuban regime have surfaced in Havana, showcased in a video shared on social media by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.
The footage reveals slogans scrawled in red ink on walls, marking another public protest against the government. These messages illustrate the growing public dissatisfaction amid the severe economic, social, and political crisis engulfing the island.
Among the slogans are phrases like "Down with Díaz-Canel", "Díaz-Canel singao", "Down with the dictatorship", and "Martí wanted a free homeland", reflecting a sharp rise in citizen discontent.
Tan Estrada's video serves as evidence of the ongoing expressions of dissent against the regime, despite the state's heavy-handed repression and in a new context where the United States is intensifying pressure to facilitate regime change in Cuba.
Numerous similar incidents have been reported by CiberCuba in recent months, involving posters, graffiti, and defiant messages emerging in various parts of Havana and other provinces.
In many instances, authorities have responded with police operations, immediate erasure of the messages, and arrests, particularly targeting young people and activists.
These graphic protests arise amid prolonged power outages, food and medicine shortages, rampant inflation, and increased political repression—factors that have fueled social unrest and undermined the official narrative's legitimacy.
Despite the atmosphere of surveillance and punishment, these signs continue to appear as an anonymous form of protest. Citizens use this method to express their rejection of the dictatorship without directly risking reprisals, in a nation where dissent is still criminalized.
Understanding the Rising Protests in Cuba
What do the new signs in Havana signify?
The new signs in Havana are a public display of protest against the Cuban government, reflecting the increasing dissatisfaction among citizens due to the ongoing economic, social, and political crises.
How has the Cuban government responded to these protests?
The government has typically responded with police actions, immediate removal of the protest messages, and arrests, particularly targeting young individuals and activists.
Why are these protests significant?
These protests are significant as they represent the resilient spirit of dissent among Cuban citizens, who continue to voice their opposition to the regime despite facing severe repression and risks.