A Cuban who took to the streets of Encrucijada, Villa Clara, to demand freedom for the people and for political prisoners was violently detained.
Alejandro Morales Pereira held a live stream on his Facebook on Wednesday to broadcast his protest until the moment he was arrested.
During his journey, he had the audacity to go to the headquarters of the Communist Party, confront an official, and question her about the young people who have been imprisoned since November 7 for protesting against the government, after more than 48 hours without electricity.
“Why are the boys from Encrucijada still imprisoned? Answer me, don't turn away," he said to the woman, who instructed her driver to start the car.
The man continued walking towards his home, all the while shouting demands for freedom for Cuba and for political prisoners. By that point, he already knew that the police would be looking for him, and he even spotted the patrol several times as it searched for him.
"They already called the police, the repressors. Share this, enough of the fear already," he expressed.
Morales Pereira was one of the peaceful protesters who demonstrated against the lack of electricity last November. On that occasion, his home was surrounded by special brigades from the Ministry of the Interior, and he was threatened.
"They're rats, filthy rats," he mocked during his brief march this week.
Less than 20 minutes after starting the live stream, Alejandro was arrested.
"The whole world is watching you," he reminded the approaching agent.
"What do I care?" the other replied with arrogance. And that, along with the sound of the car engine running, is the last thing heard in the recording.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression in Cuba and the Protests in Encrucijada
Why was Alejandro Morales Pereira arrested in Encrucijada?
Alejandro Morales Pereira was arrested for demanding freedom for the Cuban people and for political prisoners while protesting in the streets of Encrucijada. His arrest took place after he conducted a live broadcast on Facebook, during which he questioned officials from the Communist Party and called for the release of young people imprisoned for protesting against the government.
What triggered the protests in Encrucijada, Villa Clara?
The protests in Encrucijada were prompted by the prolonged blackouts that affected the population en masse following the collapse of the national electroenergetic system (SEN). The lack of effective solutions from the government increased discontent, leading residents to take to the streets to express their frustration.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the protests?
The Cuban government has responded with repression and arbitrary detentions to the protests, as evidenced in Encrucijada and other locations. Authorities have accused the protesters of "public disorder" and have employed intimidation tactics, such as cutting internet access and deploying police forces to suppress peaceful demonstrations.
Who are some of the detainees in Encrucijada and what is their situation?
Among those detained in Encrucijada are Rafael Camacho Herrera, Héctor Luis Olivera Rodríguez, and Marcos Daniel Díaz Rodríguez, among others. The situation is concerning, especially in the case of Marcos Daniel, who underwent heart surgery and whose health is a cause for worry while he remains in custody.
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