Roberto Ponce Valdespino, a young veterinarian from the Fontanar neighborhood in Havana's Boyeros municipality, is currently detained at VIVAC after being taken into custody during a peaceful protest against power outages and water shortages. The demonstration erupted on the night of Friday, September 5th, in that residential area.
The protest began around 9:30 PM as residents, frustrated by the ongoing energy crisis, blocked the traffic light at the entrance of the neighborhood on Boyeros Avenue. They overturned garbage containers and banged on pots to voice their discontent.
Fontanar's A940 electrical circuit had been suffering continuous disruptions since September 1st, amid a crisis that left only a mere 1,000 MW available against a demand of 2,890 MW on that day, resulting in blackouts affecting over 70% of the national territory.
In a social media post, activist Tania Tasé described Roberto as "a good-hearted young man who loves animals, noble, caring, and generous." She noted that the young man did not resist when officers intercepted him: "He tried to talk to his aggressors and they became more brutal, he was severely beaten."
According to reports in her complaint, more than ten patrol cars from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) arrived at the scene within minutes. Social media testimonies indicated that officers violently targeted the young attendees, pushing, hitting, and detaining at least two individuals. Roberto was among the first victims of this crackdown.
During the protest, someone in the crowd hit one of the more aggressive police officers—accounts suggest it was with a pan or a motorcycle helmet. Shortly thereafter, Roberto was arrested and taken to VIVAC. At least one other person was detained, though their identity remains unknown.
Roberto's family has been unable to visit him or confirm whether he received medical attention following the beating. According to Tania Tasé's account, State Security threatened the family with harsher reprisals against Roberto if they publicized his situation: "They have been threatened by SE, inSecurity of the State, with severe retaliation against the young man if they report it and his case goes viral on social media."
Art historian and activist Anamely Ramos also joined the public denunciation of the case through her social media channels.
Ironically, following the protest, Fontanar partially regained power and water supply by 2:00 AM on Saturday, though the service was interrupted again hours later. "Today Fontanar has light and water, thanks to those who protested," Tasé wrote.
Roberto's arrest fits into a pattern of repression that the regime has intensified amid the wave of protests in 2026.
The Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded 1,415 demonstrations in July alone, marking the highest monthly count since July 11, 2021, while Cubalex documented 319 repressive events in June, with 38 individuals detained that month for participating in protests.
As of July 31, 2026, the organization Prisoners Defenders reported 1,327 political prisoners in Cuba, including 40 minors.
"Silence has never freed a prisoner; silence is the worst choice, silence is a CONDEMNATION. Protesting is not a crime; it is a right," Tasé concluded in her statement.
Understanding the Recent Protests in Cuba
Why was Roberto Ponce Valdespino arrested?
Roberto Ponce Valdespino was arrested during a peaceful protest against power and water shortages in his neighborhood. He reportedly did not resist arrest but was nevertheless beaten and detained by authorities.
What triggered the protests in Fontanar?
The protests in Fontanar were triggered by ongoing power outages and water shortages, part of a broader energy crisis affecting the region. Residents expressed their frustration by blocking roads and making noise to draw attention to their plight.
How has the Cuban government responded to recent protests?
The Cuban government has responded to recent protests with increased repression. There have been numerous arrests and reported acts of violence against demonstrators, as evidenced by the actions taken against those participating in the protests in Fontanar.