Alejandro Salazar Blanco, a 21-year-old, has been arbitrarily detained for almost two weeks in Bayamo after participating in a peaceful protest against the prolonged blackouts and the precarious living conditions faced by the Cuban population.
The organization Cubalex, which alerted about the case this Monday through its social media, emphasized that Salazar was arrested on May 22, one day after the protest that took place in that city.
Additionally, he emphasized that police officers broke into his home and took him away by force, without a court order or clear explanation.
Since then, he has remained confined in the station of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) located at the checkpoint on the way out of Bayamo toward Las Tunas.
The statement added that he has been practically isolated, as only one family member has been able to see him on two brief occasions and under restrictive conditions.
Cubalex reported that several people were detained in the context of that protest, but all were released after signing warning records; however, Salazar is the only one from that area who remains in custody.
The authorities have also acted with complete arbitrariness and disregard for their fundamental rights.
During the arrest, one of the officers literally told him: "You've let your gayness go to your head," a phrase that reflects a humiliating, homophobic, and discriminatory treatment, clearly directed against his sexual orientation.
The human rights organization also reported that the official information has been contradictory from the very beginning.
Initially, it was stated that the case would not be prosecuted, then there was talk of a possible bail of 500,000 Cuban pesos, and now there is a threat of a sentence of up to ten years in prison.
"Alejandro's case highlights how the regime uses repressive mechanisms to punish the legitimate exercise of fundamental rights such as peaceful protest and freedom of expression," warned Cubalex, which demanded his immediate release and guarantees for his physical and emotional integrity.
The independent platform Alas Tensas also echoed the event on social media and stated on its networks that "these cases confirm the repressive pattern of the Cuban regime against the younger generation, who peacefully raise their voices against the deterioration of their living conditions."
The feminist and human rights organization also emphasized that “protesting, singing, or expressing oneself IS NOT A CRIME,” in a clear message of support for Salazar and other young people repressed for exercising their right to protest.
But this is not an isolated case. Residents of the La Kaba neighborhood in Manzanillo took to the streets on the night of Sunday, May 25, and staged a protest with pots and pans after more than 20 hours without electricity.
According to reports from Martí Noticias, at least three protesters were detained by the Police during the demonstration.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Alejandro Salazar Blanco and Repression in Cuba
Why was Alejandro Salazar Blanco arrested in Bayamo?
Alejandro Salazar Blanco was arrested after participating in a peaceful protest against power outages and the precarious living conditions in Cuba. His arrest took place without a judicial order, and he has remained in custody under restrictive conditions, in clear violation of his fundamental rights.
What are the possible legal consequences for Alejandro Salazar Blanco?
Initially, it was mentioned that the case would not be prosecuted, but later there was talk of a possible bail, and now he is facing the threat of a conviction of up to ten years in prison. The Cuban regime uses these measures to suppress and punish peaceful protests.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the protests against blackouts?
The Cuban regime has responded with arbitrary detentions and repression to the protests over blackouts. Authorities have acted arbitrarily, detaining peaceful protesters and using the judicial system to silence critical voices.
Which organizations have reported on the situation of Alejandro Salazar Blanco?
The human rights organization Cubalex has reported the case of Alejandro Salazar Blanco, demanding his immediate release and guarantees for his physical and emotional integrity. The independent platform Alas Tensas has also shown its support, emphasizing that peacefully protesting is not a crime.
What is the general context of repression in Cuba regarding peaceful protests?
Repression in Cuba against peaceful protests is a recurring phenomenon. The regime uses detentions, threats, and disproportionately harsh sentences to silence those who demand change or protest against the decline in living conditions. This repressive pattern has been observed in multiple cases, such as that of Nelson Caballero Díaz in Jimaguayú and other demonstrators in various locations across the country.
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