The Cuban government launched this Monday its Third National Exercise for Prevention and Combat Against Crime, Corruption, Drugs, and Social Indiscipline, a large-scale operation that will run until next Saturday, June 28, under the supervision of the Communist Party, the Ministry of the Interior, and other state structures.
The initiative, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, includes actions such as popular surveillance, fiscal audits, energy inspections, and public trials for cases deemed “noteworthy”, in what appears to be an attempt to strengthen state control over the daily lives of Cubans.
During the opening, from a climate-controlled room at the Palace of the Revolution, Díaz-Canel urged not to fall into routine and called for “creativity” in the implementation of the operation, which involves political, social, and mass organizations, state and non-state entities, media, and structures for popular oversight.
According to official media, the measures planned include everything from contract verifications between the state and private sectors to home visits for individuals not engaged in study or work, as well as inspections of electrical consumption and monitoring in neighborhoods.
The famous "Mirando al Mar detachments," rural patrols, and CDR (Committees for the Defense of the Revolution) vigilance committees will also be reactivated to strengthen surveillance along the coasts, in the fields, and in communities. Inspections will also closely scrutinize prices, tax evasion, internal audits, and the functioning of security systems in state enterprises and solar parks.
Exemplary trials and social control
One of the most controversial aspects of the operation is the conduct of "exemplary trials", a practice that has been harshly criticized by human rights organizations due to its punitive nature, which is distant from procedural guarantees.
The government also seeks for each territory to adapt these measures to its context, emphasizing “areas with higher incidence” of illegal activities, in a context where scarcity, the informal market, and social discontent have increased pressure on the population.
The declared goal of the regime is to guarantee "a calm and orderly summer", but for many Cubans, these intensive campaigns translate into increased repression, bureaucracy, and harassment of the population, especially those who are self-employed or participate in informal networks of commerce and services.
This Third National Exercise is presented as a continuation of the one conducted in March, but it also arises amid a growing economic crisis, increasing shortages, and social tensions, which Díaz-Canel himself has acknowledged in recent statements.
Meanwhile, many on the island are wondering whether this offensive against "social indiscipline" will solve the real problems of the country or merely strengthen the political and social control mechanisms that have characterized decades of life in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about the National Exercise against Crime in Cuba
What is the Third National Exercise for Prevention and Confrontation of Crime in Cuba?
The Third National Exercise for the Prevention and Combat of Crime, Corruption, Drugs, and Social Indiscipline in Cuba is a massive operation aimed at reinforcing state control over the daily lives of Cubans. It runs from June 23 to 28, 2025 and is under the control of the Communist Party, the Ministry of the Interior, and other state structures.
What actions are included in this operation?
The operation includes community surveillance, tax audits, energy inspections, and public trials for significant cases. Contract verifications, home visits, and price controls are also being carried out. Surveillance detachments in coastal areas, fields, and communities are being reactivated to strengthen social control.
Why are "exemplary trials" controversial in Cuba?
The "exemplary trials" are criticized because they have been pointed out by human rights organizations as punitive and lacking procedural guarantees. These trials seek to impose severe penalties to serve as a deterrent, but are seen more as a form of repression and political control rather than a solution to the social problems of the country.
What is the stated objective of the regime with this national exercise?
The Cuban regime asserts that the aim is to ensure "a calm and orderly summer." However, for many Cubans, these campaigns translate into increased repression and harassment, especially towards those working in the private sector or in informal networks of trade and services.
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