Four young individuals are currently held by State Security in Camagüey following a street protest by residents of the Oriente Rebelde community in Sibanicú municipality. The demonstration, involving a cacophony of banging pots and pans, was a call for essential services such as potable water and electricity, as reported on Facebook by local resident Rogelio Rodríguez Mora.
Community Outcry Over Basic Needs
The protest unfolded on July 25, on the eve of National Rebellion Day, with dozens of community members voicing their frustration over the prolonged absence of basic amenities. According to Rodríguez Mora, the following day, State Security agents arrived, summoned several residents for questioning, and detained four young people.
"There are four people imprisoned in Camagüey, four young men from Oriente Rebelde, arrested after the protest on the 25th due to the lack of everything, but mainly water and electricity," Rodríguez Mora declared in a video shared on social media.
Identities of the Detained
Two of the detained individuals have been identified as Luisito Lahud and Liván Aguilera. Rodríguez Mora described them as "hardworking young men" and mentioned he would reveal the identities of the other two when confirmed. The detainees remain at the State Security facility in Camagüey city.
The activist also shared that the mother of one detainee had to travel to the provincial capital to be with another son, a minor, who was summoned by political police. He noted that authorities intend to refer the four young men to the Prosecutor's Office "simply for asking for water and electricity."
Heavy Police Presence and Intimidation
Rodríguez Mora recounted the significant police presence that followed the protest. "The area was swarmed with police cars, trying to scare people. They summoned many individuals and used intimidation tactics," he explained.
Previous Encounters with State Repression
This denunciation is significant as Rodríguez Mora himself has previously faced state repression. In August 2025, the Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) documented his 12-day detention after participating in another water protest in the same community.
During that detention, he was subjected to multiple interrogations. ICLEP records indicate that an agent named "Quebin" verbally abused him, while another offered to arrange eye surgery in exchange for becoming a State Security informant. After his release, he was required to report weekly to a police station.
Increasing Consequences for Protesting Blackouts
The arrests in Sibanicú add to the wave of detentions across Cuba in 2026 related to demonstrations against blackouts, water shortages, and deteriorating living conditions.
Following a protest in Luyanó on July 9, at least 24 individuals were detained. On July 17, Cubalex reported the arrest of six people in Loma del Chivo, Guantánamo, after another spontaneous protest.
Independent organizations highlight the escalation in repression. The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) recorded 1,949 repressive actions in the first half of 2026, including 257 arbitrary detentions. Cubalex noted 38 detentions related to pot-banging protests in June alone, involving six minors, and documented 107 protests nationwide during that month.
Energy Crisis Underlying Protests
These protests occur against the backdrop of a severe energy crisis in Cuba. On July 8, the national electrical system experienced an unprecedented deficit of 2,341 MW, with recent availability barely reaching 1,000 MW against a demand of 3,100 MW. As of 2026, Cuba has endured at least four total collapses of the National Electrical System.
Concluding his statement, Rodríguez Mora emphasized the authorities' response as a sign of the regime's fear of growing social unrest. "Once again, it's clear to me that they are terrified. Cuba is under a dictatorship," he asserted, ending with the rallying cry: "Freedom, Homeland, and Life."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Protests
Why were the four young individuals in Camagüey arrested?
They were detained after participating in a protest demanding essential services like water and electricity in their community.
What sparked the recent protests in Cuba?
The protests were primarily sparked by the severe lack of basic services, including water and electricity, amid an ongoing energy crisis.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The government has responded with increased repression, including detentions and intimidation of demonstrators.