The third consecutive night of a total blackout in Cuba has set the stage for fresh protests across the nation, accompanied by threats of violent crackdowns from the regime. Images revealing a significant police presence in Santiago de Cuba underscore the palpable tension in these troubling times.
A video shared on social media by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada displayed the presence of multiple patrol cars from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) navigating the city's streets. In the midst of total darkness, interrupted only by the vehicle lights, at least six patrol units were captured entering a neighborhood in Santiago, amid murmurs and displays of anger from the residents.
"Johnson is scared and has militarized the streets of Santiago de Cuba out of fear of popular protests," Mayeta Labrada remarked in his post, referring to Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in the province. Known for her "iron fist," Johnson Urrutia is remembered for climbing onto a rooftop to quell a massive protest in mid-March, when locals took to the streets demanding "electricity and food!"
Protests Ignite with Cacerolazo
This Saturday, after enduring two days without power, dozens of Santiago residents took to the streets, banging pots and pans in a cacerolazo, accompanied by desperate cries of "turn on the power!" At least two neighborhoods saw these demonstrations. In the San Pedrito district, the chant of "electricity and food!" echoed once more, reminiscent of the March protests that spurred Johnson Urrutia into action.
Footage of these protests shared online showed the swift arrival of police patrols and state security agents who prohibited the recording of the events. Previously serving as the governor of Santiago de Cuba before replacing the ousted PCC first secretary José Ramón Monteagudo Ruiz in February, Johnson Urrutia is also remembered for scolding the deputy provincial director of the Food Industry, Elizabeth Perera Segura, on local television in 2022, exclaiming, "How can you say that, girl? Are you crazy?"
Johnson Urrutia's Iron Grip
Noted for her repressive tactics and partly responsible for the imprisonment of opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer following the historic July 11, 2021 protests, Johnson Urrutia once again demonstrates her "iron fist" in response to the unrest in Santiago. Her actions serve as a stark reminder to its citizens that, beyond rooftops and television appearances, she commands a formidable repressive machine with the backing of the regime's top echelon.