Residents in the Lawton neighborhood, located in the Diez de Octubre municipality of Havana, reported new demonstrations to CiberCuba early Thursday morning. These protests are a response to the escalating frustration caused by the prolonged power outages affecting the Cuban capital.
According to accounts shared with our newsroom, neighbors took to the streets, setting trash ablaze at various locations as a form of protest. Law enforcement was delayed in arriving at the scene due to an unforeseen circumstance.
"A train halted, blocking police cars and firetrucks from passing. They were burning entire streets," a local witness told CiberCuba.
The reports highlight that the flames and makeshift blockades disrupted traffic flow in several streets of the neighborhood, while angry residents could be heard shouting and banging pots in defiance of the ongoing power cuts.
This latest protest follows a similar demonstration that took place in Lawton the previous morning. At least one individual was detained during the Tuesday protests, leading to tense moments as residents attempted to prevent the arrest.
Police patrols and units known as “black berets,” a special forces division of the Ministry of the Interior used in control and repression operations, responded to the scene.
Seven Nights of Unrest Over Power Failures
The demonstrations in Lawton occur amidst a backdrop of increasing social discontent in Havana due to the ongoing electrical crisis.
Wednesday night saw similar protests, with residents banging pots in several districts of the capital. For nearly a week, the populace has been staging nightly protests against the blackouts.
Protests erupted in Lacret, within the Diez de Octubre municipality, and in Santos Suárez. Residents also banged pots in Guanabacoa; Jesús María in Old Havana; La Lisa and El Cerro, and in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución.
Pots and pans banging has become one of the most visible forms of civic protest in Cuba during energy crises, highlighting the growing societal discontent over the deterioration of basic services.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Protests
What triggered the recent protests in Lawton?
The protests in Lawton were sparked by widespread frustration over prolonged power outages affecting Havana.
How have residents in Lawton expressed their dissatisfaction?
Residents expressed their dissatisfaction by setting fires and creating blockades, as well as by banging pots and shouting in protest against the blackouts.
What role did the police play during the protests?
The police, including special forces known as “black berets,” were involved in responding to the protests and ensuring control over the situation.