In the wake of nighttime protests on March 13 in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, Cuban authorities have confirmed the detention of at least five individuals. Meanwhile, activists and social media users are working to highlight the faces of those affected by the repression, demanding their immediate release.
The page "Presos Políticos de Cuba" along with other users have identified some of the potential detainees as Catherine Gutiérrez Sánchez, a mother of two; Kevin Samuel Echeverría, a 15-year-old minor; and a young man identified as Bryan PM. Other reports also mention the supposed arrest of another young Cuban, Vladimir Ortiz Ortiz.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not officially confirmed these identities, and the claims remain independently unverified.
Nighttime Protests Sparked by Frustration
A statement released by the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and published by the official newspaper Invasor noted that a group of individuals, primarily residents of the El Vaquerito district, took to the streets around midnight. The protesters primarily voiced their frustrations over power outages and food shortages.
Initially, the demonstration was peaceful, with interactions occurring between the protesters and local officials. However, MININT reported subsequent "vandalism" incidents targeting the headquarters of the Communist Party's Municipal Committee. Allegedly, a small group threw rocks at the building's entrance and set fire to furniture from the reception area in the street.
Official Response and Community Outcry
According to the MININT report, five individuals were in custody at the time of reporting, though their identities were not disclosed. Authorities also mentioned that another person, allegedly intoxicated, fell and was taken to the Roberto Rodríguez General Hospital in Morón.
The demonstrations in Morón took place amid extensive power outages and a worsening scarcity of food and essential goods impacting citizens across various parts of Cuba.
Videos and social media posts from the night depicted residents marching through several streets, chanting slogans to express discontent with the economic and energy crisis.
The Ministry of the Interior has stated that investigations are ongoing to clarify the events. In the meantime, activists and social media users continue to call for awareness of potential detentions linked to the protests.
Key Questions About Morón Protests and Arrests
What triggered the protests in Morón?
The protests in Morón were primarily triggered by frustrations over prolonged power outages and food shortages affecting the community.
Who are some of the reported detainees?
Some of the reported detainees include Catherine Gutiérrez Sánchez, Kevin Samuel Echeverría, Bryan PM, and Vladimir Ortiz Ortiz, although their detentions have not been independently verified.
What was the government's response to the protests?
The government reported that the protests started peacefully but later involved vandalism against a Communist Party building. They confirmed five arrests related to these events.
What actions are activists taking in response to the arrests?
Activists are using social media to raise awareness about the arrests and are demanding the immediate release of those detained.