Authorities in Santiago de Cuba fear protests over power outages and are organizing a conga in front of the UNPACU headquarters

With the entire country engulfed in chaos and blackouts caused by the total collapse of the national electrical system, the authorities in Santiago de Cuba organized a “collective intervention” in popular neighborhoods to distract the population suffering from the lack of electricity, water, food, and the effects of a deepening widespread crisis.

The critical situation in Cuba, particularly in its eastern region, has driven thousands of Cubans to protest in the streets or within their homes, where the sound of pots and pans expresses the indignation and frustration caused by power outages, the indifference of the authorities, and the social inequality exacerbated by the Cuban regime.

In an attempt to distract the population from significant unrest, the First Secretary of the Communist Party, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, along with the authorities of Santiago de Cuba, decided to carry out this weekend "a collective intervention in neighborhoods with strong community ties in Santiago and other municipalities of the province."

“With cultural activities, sports, trade fairs, and cinema, this initiative aims to strengthen community ties and promote local development,” explained Johnson Urrutia on his social media, highlighting a program that includes “artistic performances and neighborhood conga parades.”

Precisely, one of the aforementioned parades passed by the national headquarters of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), an opposing organization within Cuban civil society, whose leader, José Daniel Ferrer García, has been detained since the historic protests of July 11, 2021 (11J), effectively under isolation, sick, and subjected to a regime of physical and psychological torture.

"The communist conga and the blackout pass in front of the national headquarters of UNPACU in Altamira," reported independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada from Santiago on his social media, sharing a video of the notorious parade featuring both adults and minors.

In addition to the congas, the authorities of the regime in Santiago de Cuba announced the celebration of "games, traditional sports, and sports exhibitions," "neighborhood cinema for all ages," and an "agricultural fair featuring commerce, gastronomy, and local microenterprises."

Johnson Urrutia stated that the event to mask the hardships faced by the people of Santiago involves the participation of public entities from the Cuban regime, “alongside artists and personalities committed to our community.”

"We will be in the communities of 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 leader.

José Daniel Ferrer and UNPACU: Symbols of the Struggle for Human Rights in Cuba

José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of UNPACU, has become a symbol of political repression on the island. Since his arrest on July 11, 2021, in Santiago de Cuba, during the historic protests, his detention has been characterized by abuse and severe restrictions.

Images of his capture by the Cuban police went viral, highlighting the brutality with which he was abducted in broad daylight, prompting condemnation from the international community.

In recent years, Ferrer's detention conditions have worsened significantly. His wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega Tamayo, has repeatedly reported the human rights violations he has endured.

Ferrer has been confined in isolation, without family contact or access to adequate medical care. Ortega has described the challenges they face in visiting him and the numerous times they have protested outside the prison facilities, demanding improvements in his conditions and his immediate release.

The international response has been strong. Various MEPs have called for specific sanctions against the Cuban government due to the inhumane treatment of Ferrer and other political prisoners.

In this context, Ferrer's resistance and the support from human rights organizations have gained momentum. Influential groups and figures have promoted his nomination for the Sakharov Prize, highlighting his tireless work in advocating for freedom of expression and democracy.

Additionally, acts of harassment against UNPACU have included incidents such as the one in 2021, when excrement was thrown at their headquarters during a repudiation event promoted by the regime.