On Monday morning, an elementary school in Havana was discovered to have several signs and graffiti opposing the dictatorship and communism on its exterior walls. This was reported by Cuban journalist José Raúl Gallego on social media.
Photos sent from the Cuban capital and shared by Gallego on Facebook reveal messages scrawled in black paint on the walls of Eloy Alfaro Elementary School, located on 22nd Street between 15th and 17th.
The phrases include slogans such as "Down with the dictatorship," "Down with communism," and "Freedom."
One of the images depicts several individuals standing in front of the wall, attempting to erase the slogans.
These types of actions frequently occur across various regions of the country, despite the heavy surveillance and control exercised by the State Security over any form of political dissent.
"Not a single day passes without a sign against the dictatorship and communism appearing somewhere in Cuba," Gallego stated in his post.
The journalist also emphasized that those who engage in these symbolic protests face harsh consequences. "We are talking about a country where the political police fiercely pursue these actions, and the penalties can exceed 10 years in prison," he noted.
Despite these risks, Gallego believes that more and more Cubans are shedding their fear of openly opposing the current political system on the island.
"Gradually, the fear, which is one of the main pillars supporting the Cuban dictatorship, is being eroded," he concluded.
Understanding the Public Dissent in Cuba
What messages were painted on the school walls in Havana?
The messages included slogans like "Down with the dictatorship," "Down with communism," and "Freedom."
What risks do individuals face for protesting in Cuba?
Individuals engaging in symbolic protests risk severe penalties, as the political police in Cuba aggressively pursue these actions, with potential prison sentences exceeding 10 years.
How common are these protests in Cuba?
Such protests are common and occur frequently across different parts of Cuba, despite the government's tight control over political dissent.