Cuban authorities have once again demonstrated their repressive tactics by arresting citizens in Encrucijada who took to the streets on November 7 to protest the ongoing power outages. These blackouts, which have significantly disrupted daily life, are a result of the latest total collapse of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN).
The protests arose from widespread frustration over the frequent outages that follow the successive breakdowns of the SEN. The situation is exacerbated by the scheduled blackouts implemented by the Electric Union (UNE), as ordered by a regime that consistently fails to provide essential public services. This has led to a growing discontent among the populace, sparking energy crisis protests.
Protests Erupt Due to Government Inaction
With no effective solutions from the government, residents of Encrucijada took to the streets to voice their anger. After enduring more than 48 hours without electricity, locals gathered in front of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power and the Communist Party's headquarters, making their dissatisfaction known through a loud cacerolazo, or pot-banging protest.
However, the government's response was swift and harsh. According to Cubalex, a human rights organization focused on Cuba, at least eight protesters were arrested the day after the demonstrations. "We confirm arbitrary arrests in Encrucijada, Villa Clara, following the peaceful protests on November 7 against prolonged electricity cuts. Currently, at least eight individuals remain in custody," stated the NGO.
Arrests and Human Rights Concerns
Among those detained were Rafael Camacho Herrera, Héctor Luis Olivera Rodríguez, Rodel Rodríguez Espinosa, Marcos Daniel Díaz Rodríguez, Andy Pérez Mederos, Rubén Martel, and Alejandro Morales Pereira. The violent arrest of Morales Pereira has sparked significant outrage on social media. The situation is particularly concerning for Marcos Daniel, who, according to reports, has undergone heart surgery, raising fears about his health while under detention.
Another notable arrest was that of Yandri Torres Quintana, who was taken into custody around 2:00 p.m. at his mother's home in central Abel Santamaría. Torres Quintana is currently held at La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara, further heightening regional tensions and demonstrating the government's unwavering stance against dissent.
Demands for Immediate Action
The Encrucijada demonstration saw dozens demanding the restoration of electricity. Videos circulating on social media captured protesters banging pots and chanting slogans like "You can't silence us!" Their demands forced local officials to address the crowd. Subsequently, the Electric Company of Villa Clara announced that power had been restored in several circuits within the municipality, including areas like Jutiero, Vizcaya, and Comunidad la Sierra.
"Authorities cut off internet access to prevent live streaming," reported Cubalex. "State Security agents provoked protesters, pushing them and seizing their phones to stop recordings. A local source noted that during the protest, an agent used a flashlight to illuminate protesters' faces while declaring, 'I know you,' in a clear act of intimidation," the organization recounted.
Crackdown on Freedom of Expression
The detained individuals were reportedly moved to "Prevention" in Santa Clara. "They were taken out of the PNR unit handcuffed through a garage to avoid being seen, while their families waited outside demanding their release," said Cubalex. "Authorities are accusing peaceful protesters of 'public disorder' and allege they wrote 'Patria y Vida' on a leader's house after the protest," the NGO added.
The organization Justicia 11J highlighted similar arrests in the town of Manicaragua, also in Villa Clara, following related incidents. These protests involved clashes with authorities, pot-banging, road blockages, and damage to state property.
The demonstrations in Encrucijada are part of a larger wave of protests spreading across Cuba in response to power cuts that have lasted up to 60 hours or more. On Friday, protestors in Havana neighborhoods like Nuevo Vedado and Guanabacoa voiced their frustration over nearly 60-hour-long blackouts following the latest SEN collapse.
The arrest of peaceful demonstrators is not a novel occurrence in Cuba, yet it underscores the regime's oppressive nature and its determined efforts to silence those advocating for improvements in already dire living conditions.