A young man who was shot during protests outside the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) headquarters in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, has successfully escaped and received medical treatment outside the province, according to opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer.
In a recent video shared on social media, the UNPACU leader revealed images of the bullet wound on the young man's leg for the first time. These images show the bullet's impact, which, as Ferrer explained, needed to be surgically removed after it lodged in the leg.
Ferrer stated that the wounded individual was aided by close associates who managed to get him out of Morón to ensure he received medical care, despite a heavy search operation by the authorities.
"The bullet first went through his phone before it penetrated his leg," Ferrer explained, also displaying the damaged device, which, according to his account, partially absorbed the impact.
The identity of the injured young man remains undisclosed for security reasons. Ferrer had previously warned that the 19-year-old was in hiding as police actively searched for him throughout the province.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
The newly released images support claims that shots were indeed fired at protesters, directly contradicting the regime's official narrative, which has consistently denied the use of firearms during the unrest.
The incident was caught on video, capturing the sound of gunfire and showing a young man falling injured, immediately assisted by fellow protesters who transported him on a scooter.
Following the protests, official spokespersons claimed that the supposed injured person was a teenager who had merely fallen, denying any gunshot victims. However, Ferrer refuted this version, clarifying that the individual identified by state propaganda is not the person who was shot.
Arrests and Tensions Persist
Ferrer also reported new arrests in the wake of the demonstrations. Among those detained was Raisel Crespo González, a Morón resident and father of two, who remains imprisoned.
According to Ferrer's statements, there is widespread fear in the town that those arrested could face sentences ranging from 15 to 30 years in prison for their alleged involvement in the March 13 protests.
The protests in Morón erupted out of frustration over power outages, shortages, and economic hardships, featuring chants of "Freedom" and clashes around the PCC headquarters.
While the government insists on denying the events, ongoing footage and testimonies emerging from the island continue to fuel doubts and fears in a city still under tight surveillance following the protests.
Key Questions About the Morón Protest Incident
What sparked the protests in Morón?
The protests in Morón were sparked by widespread discontent over power outages, shortages, and the ongoing economic crisis.
How did the young man manage to escape?
The young man was assisted by close associates who managed to transport him out of Morón to ensure he received medical attention, despite the authorities' search efforts.
What is the government's response to the claims of gunfire?
The Cuban government has consistently denied the use of firearms during the protests, claiming the injured individual was a teenager who had fallen, not a gunshot victim.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is an opposition leader and head of UNPACU, who has been vocal about the events and the government's response to the protests in Morón.