Citizen discontent in Cuba over the severe water supply crisis in the capital clashed once again with official repression on Friday, when State Security summoned two young individuals who went out into the streets to demand a basic right: drinking water.
The summonses, shared via social media, affect Magalis and Sabrina Anglada Mena, daughters of the exiled opposition figure Ariadna Mena Rubio.
Both young women must report to the PNR Station in Dragones, Central Havana.
"Down with the dictatorship and well," his mother wrote on Facebook, reflecting the spirit of resistance that persists even in the face of the threat of imprisonment.
According to the details provided by the activist Lara Crofs on Facebook, the protesters must attend to "be interviewed" by the officer of the Counterintelligence, Anthony.
"The crime of these mothers is having gone out to protest for the lack of water in Havana. (...) The only crime of these young women is demanding the right to a dignified life," he emphasized.
The citation is the regime's response to the protest led on Monday by a young woman in the middle of Monte street, who blocked traffic with buckets in hand to denounce that her neighborhood had been without water for more than five days. Other women joined her, some with children, adding to the demand, while the men stayed at a distance.
Immediately, police officers gathered around her. One of them even tried to take a bucket from her, but the young woman snatched it back and placed it back on the street in a defiant gesture.
The action, brief yet symbolic, highlights the population's frustration with the government's inability to ensure basic services.
The backdrop of this protest is the chronic water crisis in the capital, where neighborhoods in Centro Habana and Regla have gone weeks without service.
Although the state-owned company Aguas de La Habana has acknowledged the collapse of its outdated networks, the government responds with threats and persecution instead of effective solutions.
What could be an essential service has turned into an act of protest that could cost the freedom of those who dare to demand it.
From Miami, Ariadna Mena Rubio, an activist known for her fight for human rights and political prisoners, raises her voice for her daughters.
Upon arriving in the United States in 2023, he promised that he would continue to speak out about the situation of prisoners like José Daniel Ferrer, Maykel Osorbo, and others, reaffirming his commitment to the freedom and dignity of those who remain in Cuba.
Thursday's episode reflects, once again, that the population is not willing to remain silent.
Despite the dictatorship maintaining a pattern of repression against basic demands such as water, the citizens continue to express their discontent, challenging the threat of detention and demonstrating that civil resistance remains alive in the midst of the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Protests Over Water Shortages in Cuba
Why did the mothers protest in Centro Habana?
Mothers in Centro Habana protested the lack of drinking water. The water crisis in the Cuban capital has caused entire neighborhoods to go weeks without supply, leading to discontent and despair among citizens. The demonstrators, some accompanied by their children, took to the streets to demand a solution to this issue that affects their daily quality of life.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The Cuban government has responded to the protests with repression and summonses by State Security. Instead of providing effective solutions to the water shortage, the regime has chosen to pursue the demonstrators. This includes summoning those who participated in the protests, as was the case with sisters Magalis and Sabrina Anglada Mena.
What is the current state of the hydraulic network in Havana?
The hydraulic network of Havana is in a critical and collapsed state. The state-owned company Aguas de La Habana has acknowledged the collapse of its outdated networks, which has contributed to the water scarcity in the city. The lack of investment and maintenance has worsened the problem, and although some repairs have been made, they have not been sufficient to stabilize the water supply in the capital.
What impact does the water crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The water crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, limiting access to an essential resource. Citizens face not only water shortages but also blackouts and a lack of other basic services, creating an atmosphere of desperation and frustration. Families must wait in long lines to obtain water from trucks, and often they are not guaranteed regular supply, making daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene challenging.
What role do social media play in the protests over the water shortages in Cuba?
Social media has been a crucial channel for the dissemination of protests and citizen discontent. Through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Cubans have shared videos, images, and accounts of the demonstrations, amplifying their reach and bringing visibility to the situation on an international level. This has allowed the international community and Cubans in exile to become aware of the severe crisis unfolding on the island.
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