José Daniel Ferrer calls for support of the protest in the East: “All of Cuba must amplify these cries for freedom.”

José Daniel Ferrer urges support for the protests in Baire, Santiago de Cuba, against power outages and repression. He calls on Cubans to amplify these demands for freedom.

José Daniel Ferrer / Protest in BairePhoto © Facebook CiberCuba / José Daniel Ferrer

The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García, head of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), urged Cubans this Friday to support the protests in Baire, a municipality in Contramaestre, in the province of Santiago de Cuba, where dozens of people took to the streets on Thursday night to denounce power outages, shortages, and the regime's repression.

In a Facebook post, Ferrer highlighted the courage of the eastern people and recalled the history of the Grito de Baire, which marked the beginning of the War of Independence.

Santiago de Cuba, tired of oppression and misery, takes to the streets to protest against the dictatorship. There, the historic Grito de Baire took place on February 24, 1895. All of Cuba must amplify these cries for freedom. There will be new political prisoners; they and their families will need our full support. Down with the tyranny!, expressed the opposition leader.

Ferrer was this week. He is currently in Miami where he begins another form of struggle for the freedom of Cuba. He asserted that the regime will not be able to "extinguish the dignity of the people" and called on Cubans inside and outside the country to raise awareness of what happened in the east and to support the protesters facing repression.

Protest in Baire, Santiago de Cuba

The protest in Baire began around 7:40 p.m. on Thursday in several neighborhoods, where residents took to banging pots and shouting slogans against the Government after more than 30 hours without electricity or drinking water.

According to local testimonies, the protesters marched through the inner streets to the Central Park of Baire, in front of the Police unit, while agents from the Ministry of the Interior and State Security launched a strong operation.

During the first few minutes of the protest, internet access was interrupted throughout the area, a common practice of the regime to prevent the spread of images and testimonies. The connection was restored later, and several residents managed to share videos of what had happened.

The municipality woke up under police surveillance, with patrols and officers at strategic points. So far, no arrests have been confirmed, although activists fear a new wave of political arrests in response to the protest.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests in Cuba and the Role of José Daniel Ferrer

Who is José Daniel Ferrer and what role does he play in the protests in Cuba?

José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition figure and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been a central figure in the fight for freedom and human rights in Cuba, confronting the regime through peaceful protests and international appeals. Recently, he called for support for the protests in Baire, Santiago de Cuba, and has been exiled to the United States, where he continues his activism against the Cuban government.

What happened during the Baire protests in Santiago de Cuba?

The protests in Baire began on Thursday night, when dozens of people took to the streets to denounce power outages, shortages, and the repression of the Cuban regime. The demonstrators banged on pots and pans and shouted slogans against the government, while agents from the Ministry of the Interior and State Security deployed a strong operation to control the situation. The protests symbolize the growing discontent of the Cuban people regarding living conditions and political repression.

How has the Cuban regime responded to the protests and the activism of Ferrer?

The Cuban regime has responded with repression to the protests and the activism of Ferrer. During the demonstrations in Baire, they cut off access to the Internet to prevent the dissemination of information. Ferrer has been subjected to arbitrary detentions, torture, and was ultimately exiled to the United States. Cuban authorities use these tactics to silence opponents and maintain control over the population.

How has the international community reacted to the situation of José Daniel Ferrer?

The international community has shown its support for José Daniel Ferrer, condemning the actions of the Cuban regime and demanding his immediate release. Organizations like Amnesty International have declared him a prisoner of conscience, and governments such as that of the United States have openly criticized the regime for its treatment of Ferrer and other opponents. This international pressure aims to highlight the repression in Cuba and promote changes towards greater democracy and respect for human rights.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.