In the city of Santiago de Cuba, clandestine protests have emerged once again as new anti-government messages appeared, highlighting the growing social unrest amid the ongoing economic crisis, frequent power outages, and the lack of freedoms on the island.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported the incident on his Facebook page, revealing that the signs were painted on a billboard near the University of Oriente. "Just a few moments ago, anti-government signs were painted on a public billboard located near the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba," Mayeta wrote, reporting the event that took place early Monday morning.
Photos shared with the journalist displayed slogans like "Down with Communism" and "Down with the Dictatorship," which covered a significant portion of the billboard. This act of defiance was reportedly carried out during a power outage affecting various parts of the city.
Darkness as a Backdrop for Dissent
Power cuts have become a daily reality for millions of Cubans, often serving as a backdrop for expressions of dissatisfaction. During these outages, many neighborhoods resonate with the sound of banging pots and spontaneous protests. In some instances, the cover of darkness allows discontented citizens to leave critical messages in public spaces.
The persistence of these expressions is fueled by the exhaustion of a population worn down by shortages, inflation, prolonged blackouts, and repression against any form of dissent. "According to testimonies from locals and people in the area, similar actions have been observed in various parts of Santiago de Cuba in recent days," Mayeta noted.
As of now, the authorities have not commented on the appearance of these messages near the university.
Activists Defy Surveillance
In another report, Mayeta highlighted a separate protest action on Saturday in Santiago de Cuba, carried out by activists associated with the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). Members of the movement placed protest signs in the Antonio Maceo district, where opposition figures continue their efforts despite constant surveillance by authorities.
"The action was clandestinely executed by activists who persist in operating within the island despite the intense surveillance and repression they face," Mayeta explained. The signs featured slogans such as "Long Live Trump," "Long Live UNPACU," and "Freedom for Political Prisoners."
The opposition group has consistently voiced support for political prisoners, condemning the conditions in which many are detained under the regime's harsh measures.
Slogans Spread Across Provinces
The signs in Santiago de Cuba add to recent incidents where citizens have used written messages to voice their opposition to the political system. A recent case in Colón, Matanzas, saw anti-government slogans appear in the market square on Sunday. Phrases like "Down with Communism," "Down with the Dictatorship," and "Homeland and Life" were painted in black ink on the building's wall.
These incidents join others in Havana, illustrating how this form of protest has spread nationwide. Late in February, signs challenging the regime appeared in Boyeros and Jaimanitas neighborhoods, signed by the opposition group Camino a la Democracia Pacífica de Cuba (CDPC). Messages included denunciations of communism and tyranny, alongside support for U.S. political figures.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón also confirmed signs in Jaimanitas with slogans like "Down with the Tyranny" in western Havana. Days earlier, another message appeared in central Santiago de Cuba with the phrase "Long Live Mike Hammer," referencing the U.S. mission chief on the island.
In a notable incident, ten Panamanian citizens were detained at the start of the month after allegedly entering Cuba to create and place anti-regime signs. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the individuals admitted to their involvement in activities deemed "subversive and contrary to constitutional order," potentially facing up to ten years in prison.
The repetition of these acts across the country underscores the growing discontent among many Cubans. Though symbolic, these actions entail considerable risk. In Cuba, painting or placing anti-government slogans can be prosecuted as enemy propaganda or subversive activity, leading to long prison sentences.
In a nation where public demonstrations are often suppressed and dissent is harshly punished, for some citizens, painting a sign or leaving a message on a wall has become a means of expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding change.
Understanding the Rising Protests in Cuba
What are the reasons behind the recent protests in Santiago de Cuba?
The protests in Santiago de Cuba are driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the ongoing economic crisis, frequent power outages, and the lack of freedoms on the island. These factors have fueled social unrest and prompted citizens to voice their discontent through clandestine acts of protest.
How are activists managing to protest despite tight surveillance?
Activists often carry out their protests clandestinely, making use of power outages and the cover of darkness to avoid detection. Despite facing intense surveillance and repression, they persist in their efforts to express dissent and call for political change.