The municipal prosecutor's office in Bayamo has requested prison sentences of up to five years for nine individuals who participated in the public demonstration on May 23, 2025, in this city within the Granma province. These details come from the provisional conclusions of the fiscal file obtained by Martí Noticias.
These legal requests emerged nearly eighteen months after the event, marking the end of the investigation phase and paving the way for the request for an oral trial.
The prosecutor's report details that approximately 120 people gathered near the intersection of Vicente Quesada Avenue and 22nd Street, some with their faces covered. These individuals were seen banging pots, pans, and other metal objects while chanting slogans such as "we want food, electricity, and water."
The charges also include offensive remarks directed at the President of the Republic and other leaders, and the protestors allegedly threw bottles and stones at Ministry of the Interior officers—actions that reportedly did not cause any injuries but led to the arrests.
The accused are facing charges of contempt, public disorder, incitement to commit a crime, and resistance.
Among those facing charges, Pedro Luis Zamora Isac is facing the most severe penalty: five years for public disorder. He is followed by Alexander Guzmán Silva, who is facing four years for contempt, public disorder, and incitement to commit a crime. Ever Ernesto Pérez Aliaga is looking at three years for contempt and public disorder.
Also charged are Arael Rodríguez Escalante, Alejandro Vargas Ortiz, Luis Manuel Zamora Guevara, Rosa María Socarrás Moralez, Aleyda Valera Álvarez, and Katia Sucel Estrada Valera, all for resistance and incitement to commit a crime.
The families of the accused are rejecting these charges. Ernesto Pérez Aliaga, the father of Ever, expressed to Martí Noticias, "They did not disrespect anyone. Their demonstration was necessary but was carried out in a dignified, peaceful, and calm manner."
Rosa Escalante, mother of Arael Rodríguez Escalante, was more straightforward: "They are being sentenced for demanding basic rights from the government, such as access to water, food, and electricity."
The protests in May 2025 in Bayamo took place amid a severe energy and food crisis impacting almost half of the nation, with residents in several neighborhoods experiencing over 36 hours without power. The demonstrations also spread to Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
The regime's response included deploying special troops, black berets, and canine units, alongside a social media campaign to promote an image of order and control.
One of the nine accused, Arael Rodríguez Escalante, reportedly went on a hunger strike at Las Mangas prison in Bayamo in April 2026, protesting against the conditions of his detention.
This isn't the first case of its kind in Bayamo. Fifteen other citizens who protested on March 17, 2024, against power cuts and shortages were tried in September 2025 and received sentences ranging from three to nine years in prison.
The repressive pattern extends to other provinces: in October 2026, the Ciego de Ávila prosecutor's office sought sentences of up to 13 years for Morón protesters on charges of sedition, highlighting a continuous escalation in the criminalization of social protest in Cuba.
Key Questions About the 2025 Bayamo Protests
What were the main demands of the Bayamo protesters in May 2025?
The protesters were demanding access to essential resources such as food, electricity, and water.
How did the Cuban regime respond to the Bayamo protests?
The regime responded by deploying special forces, including black berets and canine units, and launched a propaganda campaign to project an image of control.
What charges are the Bayamo protesters facing?
The protesters are facing charges including contempt, public disorder, incitement to commit a crime, and resistance.