A Cuban man who ascended an ETECSA tower in Cienfuegos last Sunday, shouting slogans against the regime, is currently in jail awaiting trial. According to ADN Cuba, the individual, named Tomás Chacón, was initially taken into custody at El Técnico and subsequently transferred to the first unit instruction center.
"He was charged with public disorder and, within 72 hours, was moved to Ariza prison here in Cienfuegos. He remains there now, awaiting trial," an anonymous source disclosed.
Raúl González, a Cienfuegos opposition figure, reported that before climbing the tower, Chacón had attempted suicide by injecting himself and consuming various medications.
The incident quickly attracted several police officers, as the well-known Punto 90 station in the Reina neighborhood is located nearby. According to González, local residents stepped in to defend Chacón, preventing the officers from assaulting him.
After descending from the tower, Chacón was taken to Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital for a stomach pump and later transferred to the psychiatric ward. Presently, he is being held at the State Security headquarters in the province, facing charges of contempt, public disorder, and disobedience.
As the event unfolded, a crowd of onlookers gathered, many capturing the scene on their mobile phones. Chacón threatened to jump if authorities tried to forcibly remove him. The tense standoff prompted firefighters and police to negotiate with him. After several minutes, firefighters successfully persuaded him to descend peacefully and safely.
Videos shared by Cántalo TV showed the moment Chacón was coaxed down from the tower by a firefighter who climbed up to reach him.
While such occurrences are remarkable, this isn't the first incident of its kind in Cienfuegos. In December 2022, another individual climbed an ETECSA tower in the Cruces municipality to protest ongoing power outages. The man, known as Liván El Burro, scaled the structure, shouting phrases like "Down with communism" and "I want to go to the U.S.," threatening suicide if the electricity wasn't restored.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETECSA Tower Incident
Why did Tomás Chacón climb the ETECSA tower?
Tomás Chacón climbed the ETECSA tower to protest against the Cuban regime, shouting anti-government slogans.
What charges is Tomás Chacón facing?
He is facing charges of contempt, public disorder, and disobedience.
Has this type of protest happened before in Cienfuegos?
Yes, a similar incident occurred in December 2022 when another man climbed a tower protesting power outages.