Julio Góngora Casanova, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Ciego de Ávila, launched a verbal attack against the Cuban citizens who protested against the regime in Morón last Friday.
“A small group of revolutionaries tried to speak. Do you know why that protest wasn't crushed in five minutes? It’s because of the greatness of the Cuban Revolution, because our revolutionary police didn't want to shoot anyone. They tried to stone the revolutionaries, cornered them, pushed them into a corner at the Party headquarters, and yet not a single shot was fired,” Góngora stated during a regime-organized political event on Monday.
Videos sent to Cibercuba by some attendees at the event reveal Góngora's speech, which, in the regime's usual passive-aggressive propaganda style, mixes praise for the police for not firing, threats that the protest could have been quashed in minutes, and references to Iran and Palestine.
“The only injured person is a drunk who climbed the Party headquarters and sprained his foot while trying to remove a sign. Later, he cowardly claimed in the hospital that his wife had cheated on him, saying, ‘These injuries are because my wife cheated on me,’” he exclaimed.
“Here, we have police officers who were hit in the face with stones. Here’s the Mayor who was struck by a stone, here’s the First Secretary who was hit by a stone. Several deputy mayors were assaulted, and several revolutionaries received stones,” he added.
The Cuban regime organized a "reaffirmation" event on Monday in front of the Morón rooster monument in Ciego de Ávila following the massive protest by residents last Friday.
“To prevent distortion of the truth, and to reaffirm the unyielding decision of the people of Morón to defend this land, a broad representation of Morón residents gathered at the fighting rooster monument, a symbol of the city and its people,” read a post from the official newspaper Invasor.
This event is part of the regime’s damage control efforts following the most intense day of protests in Cuba in recent months, as a large crowd took to the streets of Morón.
Numerous videos on social media show groups of locals marching through the streets, chanting against the government, and banging pots and pans.
During the protests, clashes occurred in front of the municipal Party headquarters, where a fire broke out on the street, and the building was damaged.
One of the most shocking moments of the protest was captured in a widely shared video online, showing the moment a young man was injured after a gunshot was heard near the PCC building.
In the footage, the young man collapses and is helped by several protesters who carry him on a motorbike to a hospital.
While various reports on social media claim the young man was shot by a police officer—and some even suggest he might be a minor—official media have denied any shots were fired at protesters, insisting the young man was injured from a fall.
The official narrative has also attempted to portray the events as isolated disturbances caused by a small group manipulated from abroad, with official media reporting that five people have been detained.
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated on Saturday that grievances are legitimate as long as they are expressed with “civility” following the early morning protest in Morón.
“The prolonged blackouts, a result of the U.S.'s intensified energy blockade in recent months, understandably upset our people,” Díaz-Canel wrote on X, blaming the U.S. for Cuba’s situation, as is customary in regime propaganda.
“Complaints and demands are legitimate as long as they are made with civility and respect for public order. What will never be understandable, justifiable, or acceptable is violence and vandalism that threaten public tranquility and the security of our institutions,” he added.
Díaz-Canel concluded with a warning to the protesters: “There will be no impunity for vandalism and violence.”
Cuba is experiencing more than eight consecutive days of protests against the regime, with chants and signs demanding "Freedom" and "Down with Communism."
Key Questions on Recent Protests in Cuba
What triggered the protests in Morón, Cuba?
The protests in Morón were sparked by widespread discontent over prolonged power outages, which are attributed to the U.S. energy blockade, according to the Cuban regime.
How did the Cuban government respond to the protests?
The government organized a "reaffirmation" event as part of damage control efforts, while official media labeled the protests as isolated disturbances caused by external manipulation.
Were there any injuries reported during the protests?
Yes, a young man was injured during the protests, with reports on social media claiming he was shot by police, although official accounts deny any gunfire occurred.