The human rights organization Cubalex has reported that at least six individuals were detained following an impromptu protest on Tuesday night in the Loma del Chivo neighborhood, located in Guantánamo province. The whereabouts of those arrested remain unknown.
This demonstration was a direct reaction to the prolonged power outages plaguing the province, prompting residents to take to the streets with pots and banners. State Security officers and police patrols arrived at the scene, recording the protesters and proceeding with the arrests.
Currently, only two of those detained have been identified: Yeansg Carlos Pérez George and Cristian Jesús Bergondo George. The identities of the remaining four individuals have not yet been disclosed.
Relatives of the detainees gathered outside the Operations Unit of the State Security Department in Guantánamo, alleging they experienced mistreatment. They raised alarms over their children’s isolation, suggesting they might face charges of so-called "crimes against state security" simply for protesting.
A video released by Cubalex captures the outrage of a family member, encapsulating the oppressive atmosphere: "At this moment, anyone who protests in Cuba is committing a crime against state security. Right now, I have become yet another dissident."
The individual further criticized, "In this country, you can steal or kill without consequence. What you can't do is protest against these corrupt thieves."
Cubalex has demanded prompt answers from the regime: "We call on the Cuban government to provide immediate information regarding the legal status of the six detained in Loma del Chivo, to cease harassment of their families, and to release them without delay. Peaceful protest is not a crime against national security but a human right."
Guantánamo has been severely impacted by the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba as of July 2026, enduring blackouts lasting up to 30 hours a day, exacerbated by faulty equipment and reliance on a single 110 kV transmission line.
This isn’t the first instance of repression against protesters in this region. In November 2025, four individuals were arrested following a blackout protest in the Maqueicito neighborhood, also in Guantánamo.
The regime’s repressive response to blackout protests is consistent and well-documented. Since 2024, authorities have classified such demonstrations as crimes against state security, with sentences ranging from eight to 15 years in places like Villa Clara, Camagüey, and Havana.
June 2026 has marked the peak of social unrest in Cuba this year, with 253 protests documented nationwide and 319 repressive incidents recorded, according to a report by Cubalex. The country has also experienced five nationwide blackouts in 2026, the most recent occurring last Monday.
Understanding the Current Protests and Power Outages in Cuba
What prompted the recent protests in Guantánamo?
The protests were triggered by the prolonged power outages affecting the province, leading residents to demonstrate against the government's handling of the energy crisis.
How has the Cuban government responded to these protests?
The government has responded with arrests and charges of crimes against state security, as well as allegations of mistreatment of the detainees' families.
What are the consequences of being charged with crimes against state security in Cuba?
Those charged with such crimes can face sentences ranging from eight to 15 years, as observed in other regions like Villa Clara, Camagüey, and Havana.
What has been the impact of the energy crisis on Guantánamo?
Guantánamo has been one of the hardest-hit provinces, experiencing blackouts of up to 30 hours daily due to equipment failures and limited infrastructure.