Amidst a nation engulfed in chaos and widespread power outages due to the complete breakdown of the National Electric System (SEN), the government in Santiago de Cuba orchestrated a "collective intervention" in popular neighborhoods. This move aims to divert the attention of citizens grappling with shortages of electricity, water, food, and the deepening crisis affecting the entire country.
The dire situation in Cuba, particularly in its eastern region, has driven thousands to protest, either by taking to the streets or through banging pots and pans at home, expressing their anger and frustration over the blackouts, government apathy, and the social inequality perpetuated by the socialist regime.
Government-Sponsored Distractions
Seeking to pacify public discontent, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba, led an initiative this past weekend involving "a collective intervention in deeply rooted communities in Santiago and other municipalities of the province." Johnson Urrutia detailed on social media that the program included "cultural activities, sports events, commercial fairs, and cinema," aimed at strengthening community bonds and promoting local development.
One of these organized conga parades marched past the national headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), an opposition group whose leader, José Daniel Ferrer García, has been imprisoned since the significant protests of July 11, 2021 (11J), under harsh conditions including isolation and reported torture.
Festivities Concealing Discontent
The independent journalist from Santiago, Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, reported on social media the passage of a "communist conga during a blackout" in front of the UNPACU headquarters in Altamira, sharing a video of the event, which featured both adults and children.
In addition to the street parades, the regime's authorities in Santiago de Cuba announced "games, traditional sports, and sports exhibitions," "neighborhood cinema for all ages," and an "agricultural fair with local commerce, gastronomy, and micro-enterprises." Johnson Urrutia emphasized the event's collaboration with public entities and committed artists and personalities from the community.
"We will be present in communities such as Micro 7, Micro 9, Los Pinos, Los Olmos, La Trampa, La Alameda, El Diablo Rojo, Los Cangrejitos, Parque La Placita, Vista Hermosa, Altamira, El Cayo, Chicharrones, Reparto Flores, Micro 2, and Micro 3. Join us to enjoy and share in this celebration of love and solidarity!" concluded the official.
José Daniel Ferrer and UNPACU: Symbols of Human Rights Struggle in Cuba
José Daniel Ferrer García, the leader of UNPACU, remains a prominent figure symbolizing political repression in Cuba. His arrest on July 11, 2021, in Santiago de Cuba during the island's historic protests, highlighted his plight, marked by severe abuses and restrictions.
Images of his capture by Cuban police went viral, showcasing the brutality of his public arrest, which provoked international condemnation. Over time, Ferrer's detention conditions have worsened. His wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, has repeatedly denounced the human rights abuses he faces.
Ferrer has endured isolation, lack of family contact, and inadequate medical care. Ortega has described the challenges they face in visiting him and the numerous protests she has led outside prison facilities, demanding better conditions and his immediate release.
The international response has been robust. Several members of the European Parliament have called for targeted sanctions against the Cuban government over Ferrer's inhumane treatment and that of other political prisoners. Amidst these circumstances, Ferrer’s resilience and support from human rights organizations have only grown stronger. Influential groups and figures have advocated for his nomination for the Sakharov Prize, underscoring his relentless efforts in promoting freedom of expression and democracy. Additionally, the harassment against UNPACU has included incidents like in 2021, when excrement was hurled at their headquarters in an act of repudiation encouraged by the regime.