Students from the Medical Sciences universities of Guantánamo and the University of Cienfuegos staged nighttime protests following prolonged blackouts this Tuesday.
The demonstrations were peaceful. The students denounced the precarious living conditions and faced threats from university authorities and the regime's repressive forces.
In Guantánamo, images shared on social media show students protesting in the dark. Only their voices can be heard, and some lights from mobile phones or flashlights can be seen moving.
"This is the breakfast of our students: poorly made bread and a nameless liquid. Is this how they expect our future doctors to study?" reads an anonymous post from the University of Medical Sciences of Guantánamo.
In Cienfuegos, the situation was no different. Following the "toque de taquillas," several officials went through the dormitories asking if the students had anything to say. According to testimonies shared in digital groups, this was interpreted as a form of intimidation.
"The school is falling apart, we spend entire days without water, the food is barely edible, the drinking water is muddy, and while all of this is happening, no one comes, nothing is said. Now everyone comes in a swarm when we demand what is rightfully ours, when we raise our voices and show them that we will not remain silent," denounced Camila Hernández on Facebook.
"They threatened us with kicking us out of the scholarship. They are trying to instill fear as they have done since 1959 with anyone who wants to fight for a country where they can have a future. 'If this isn't called dictatorship, then what is?,' the young woman asked."
Students claim that the university infrastructure is in a deplorable state: without drinking water, lacking ventilation, and with food they describe as "unfit for consumption."
These protests occur while the ruling Miguel Díaz-Canel resumes his critical discourse against the demonstrators, labeling them as "antisocial" and "criminals."
During episode 30 of his podcast Desde la Presidencia, the president justified his stance by recalling the Maleconazo of 1994, stating that there is “external manipulation” behind the protests and that those who are demonstrating “are far from Martí's thoughts.”
The words of the regime's leader contrast with the increasing public discontent over the collapse of the national power system, one of the triggers for the recent protests in Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo, Guantánamo, and Cienfuegos.
Meanwhile, the young people, future health professionals, are calling for basic conditions to study and live, amidst a Cuba plunged into one of its deepest crises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Student Protests and the Situation in Cuba
Why did the students protest in Guantánamo and Cienfuegos?
The students protested due to the precarious living conditions at the universities, such as the lack of electricity, drinking water, and adequate food. The demonstrations were a response to the prolonged blackouts and the threats from university authorities and the repressive forces of the regime. The young people demanded better conditions to be able to study and live with dignity.
What was the Cuban government's response to the student protests?
The government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, adopted a critical and dismissive stance towards the protesters, labeling them as “antisocial” and “criminals.” Díaz-Canel justified his position by stating that the protests are externally manipulated and that the protesters are disconnected from Martí's ideology. This rhetoric aims to discredit the protests and downplay the legitimate demands of the students.
How have university authorities reacted to the protests in Cuba?
The university authorities have responded to the protests with threats and intimidation towards the students. In Cienfuegos, for example, officials went through the dormitories asking if students had anything to say, which was interpreted as a form of intimidation. Students reported that the responses to their demands have been repressive rather than seeking solutions to their problems.
What impact do blackouts have on protests and social discontent in Cuba?
Extended blackouts are a significant catalyst for social discontent in Cuba. The lack of electricity severely affects the daily lives of citizens and has been one of the main reasons for the recent protests in various regions of the country. The energy crisis, combined with food shortages and other services, has increased tensions and unrest among the population.
What role do social media play in the dissemination of protests in Cuba?
Social media has played a crucial role in the dissemination of protests in Cuba, allowing citizens to share in real time the critical situation they are experiencing. Despite the government's attempts to delegitimize these platforms, social media has been a vital means for Cubans to express their discontent and organize demonstrations, revealing to the world the reality that the official media tries to hide.
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