NGO reports dozens of protests in Cuba during massive blackout

The NGO Justicia 11J reported on Monday that they have verified at least 48 protests in Cuba that took place between October 18 and 24, 2024, as part of the crisis generated by the recent collapse of the National Electric System (SEN).

Although the majority of the demonstrations were recorded in Havana, incidents were also reported in other provinces such as Artemisa, Camagüey, Granma, Holguín, Mayabeque, Sancti Spíritus, Santiago de Cuba, and Villa Clara, the organization noted on the social media platform X.

In a statement released on social media, Justicia 11J reported that the majority of the protests involved pot banging, totaling 34 incidents.

However, other forms of protest were also reported, such as the placement of posters, road closures, marches, and demonstrations in front of state institutions.

On the other hand, and also within the crisis generated by the collapse of the SEN, the NGO confirmed the detention of Raymond Márquez, Narbiel Torres, and Osvaldo Agüero in Manicaragua, Villa Clara, as well as Luis Adrián Pupo in Songo La Maya, Santiago de Cuba.

They also expressed their concern for the situation of Javier Zaldívar, who was arrested in Nuevitas, Camagüey, and whose current status is unknown.

Justicia 11J indicated that it is investigating reports of other arrests in various locations in Havana and noted that a group of detainees may have been transferred to Combinado del Este.

The organization called on the families of the detainees and the general public to assist in identifying the arrested protesters and in monitoring their situation.

Finally, they ensured the protection of sources who prefer to keep their identity confidential.

Since the massive protests on July 11, 2021, regarded as the most significant anti-government demonstrations in Cuba in decades, Justicia 11J has recorded a total of 479 protests and documented 1,979 arrests related to these events, of which at least 716 individuals remain incarcerated, reported the EFE agency.

In many cases, the frequent power outages are seen as catalysts for the major anti-government protests in recent years, including those on July 11, 2021, in Havana and Nuevitas in August 2022, and those on March 17 of this year in Santiago de Cuba and other localities in the country.