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A Cuban who last Sunday climbed an ETECSA tower in Cienfuegos and began shouting slogans against the regime is currently in prison awaiting trial.
According to the report from the portal ADN Cuba, the man, named Tomás Chacón, was initially arrested in El Técnico and was then transferred to the instruction center known as the first unit.
"He was accused of public disorder, and within 72 hours, he was taken to the Ariza prison here in Cienfuegos. He is currently being held there, awaiting trial," revealed a source who wished to remain anonymous.
The Cienfuego opponent Raúl González added that on the day of the incident, before climbing the tower, Chacón had attempted to take his own life by injecting himself and taking several medications.
Several police officers quickly arrived on the scene, as the station known as Punto 90 is just a few meters away, located in the Reina neighborhood. According to González's account, local residents defended the protester and did not allow the oppressive officers to beat him.
After coming down from the tower, Chacón was taken to Gustavo Aldereguía Lima Hospital for a stomach wash and then referred to the psychiatric ward.
He is currently at the State Security headquarters in the province, where he was charged with contempt, public disorder, and disobedience.
When the incident occurred, numerous neighbors quickly gathered at the scene and began recording with their mobile phones.
Tomás Chacón threatened to jump if they tried to take him down by force. In light of the tense situation, firefighters and police arrived and attempted to negotiate. After several minutes of dialogue, the firefighters managed to convince him to come down peacefully and safely.
Images posted on social media by Cántalo TV showed the moment when the man descended from the tower, urged by a firefighter who climbed up to find him.
Despite the unusual nature of these incidents, this is not the first time something like this has happened in Cienfuegos.
In December 2022, another man climbed a tower of ETECSA in the municipality of Cruces in protest of the ongoing blackouts.
The individual, identified as Liván El Burro, climbed onto the structure and began shouting phrases like "Down with communism" and "I want to go to the U.S.," while threatening to commit suicide if the electricity was not restored.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident at the ETECSA Tower in Cienfuegos
Why did Tomás Chacón climb the ETECSA tower in Cienfuegos?
Tomás Chacón climbed the ETECSA tower as a form of protest against the Cuban regime and the constant blackouts affecting the community of Reparto Reina in Cienfuegos. During his demonstration, he shouted slogans against the Cuban government and threatened to jump if they tried to bring him down by force.
What is the current situation of Tomás Chacón following his protest?
Currently, Tomás Chacón is in prison awaiting trial. He was accused of public disorder, contempt, and disobedience. He was initially detained at El Técnico and transferred to the instruction center known as the first unit, before being taken to the Ariza prison in Cienfuegos.
How did the community react to Tomás Chacón's protest?
The local community reacted by defending Tomás Chacón against the agents who attempted to suppress him. Neighbors from the area quickly gathered at the scene, recorded the incident, and prevented the oppressive agents from beating him. This type of community support is a reflection of the growing public discontent in Cuba.
Are there any records of similar protests in Cienfuegos?
Yes, in December 2022, another Cuban climbed an ETECSA tower in Cienfuegos, specifically in the municipality of Cruces, also in protest against the power outages. This protester, identified as Liván El Burro, also shouted slogans against communism and threatened to commit suicide if electricity was not restored.
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