In a recent interview, Miguel Díaz-Canel once again characterized protests in Cuba as criminal acts, asserting that the U.S. government finances individuals to incite social grievances that escalate into vandalism, thereby justifying the enforcement of laws.
During the broadcasted segment, the Cuban leader alleged that "the ideological subversion policy against Cuba by the United States government allocates part of its budget—the money of American taxpayers—to subversive actions." He claimed that Washington "pays people to incite social claims in Cuba," but these claims are pursued "by committing crimes" and evolve into "vandalistic acts" targeting markets and state properties.
Comparison with U.S. Police Actions
To rationalize the regime's repressive response, Díaz-Canel drew parallels with police actions in the United States. He cited the pro-Palestinian university protests—describing them as "the largest since the Vietnam War"—and claimed that "they were massacred, and the police acted brutally against them." He also referenced the death of George Floyd as an example of American police brutality, arguing that "the Cuban case is different, it has its own peculiarities."
Díaz-Canel also insisted that in Cuba, "people generally voice their concerns to state and party institutions because they trust these institutions and are listened to, not repressed."
Contradiction with Independent Reports
This narrative starkly contrasts with data documented by independent organizations. According to a report by Prisoners Defenders, as of July 31, Cuba had 1,327 political prisoners, including 40 minors, with a steady monthly increase since January.
Regarding protests, July 2026 marked the month with the highest number of recorded demonstrations in the island's recent history: the Cuban Conflict Observatory tallied 1,415 protests, complaints, and critical expressions, setting a historical record. In May, 1,311 were recorded, and June saw 107 street protests, nearly doubling the previous high, with 82 occurring in Havana alone.
Additionally, Cubalex documented 319 repressive events between May and June 2026.
Consistent Pattern of Repression
Díaz-Canel's rhetoric follows a pattern established since July 11, 2021, when he declared on television "the combat order is given, to the streets, revolutionaries," interpreted as a direct call to suppress protestors. In March of this year, after a protest in Morón that ended with the local Communist Party headquarters set ablaze and five detained, he warned that there would be "no impunity" for "vandalism and violence."
In April, during an interview with NBC News, Díaz-Canel denied the existence of political prisoners in Cuba, asserting that those imprisoned were there for common crimes, a stance that Prisoners Defenders' data consistently contradicts.
Apart from the protest issue, Díaz-Canel also expressed his support for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the upcoming elections in Brazil during the interview: "I would never meddle in Brazil's affairs, but if you're asking about my sympathy, my sympathy is with Lula, of course."
Key Insights Into Cuban Protests and Government Response
What is Díaz-Canel's stance on protests in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel portrays protests in Cuba as criminal acts funded by the U.S. to incite social unrest and vandalism.
How does Díaz-Canel justify the Cuban government's response to protests?
He compares the government's response to protests in Cuba to police actions in the U.S., citing instances of alleged police brutality to rationalize the regime's measures.
What do independent reports say about political prisoners in Cuba?
Independent reports, such as those from Prisoners Defenders, indicate that there are 1,327 political prisoners in Cuba, including minors, contradicting Díaz-Canel's claims.