Several police patrols were seen circulating on the night of Friday and the early hours of Saturday around the central park El Curita, in Centro Habana, amid a week marked by protests in various locations across Cuba.
The images of the police movement were shared by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who summarized the current atmosphere on the island with a powerful phrase: “Fear has changed sides!”
According to the explanation, the deployment occurred after the events that took place in Morón, Ciego de Ávila province, where protesters set fire to the local headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).
“In the park El Curita, Havana, the police showcase their cars (there is fuel for that), all after the people of Morón burned down the headquarters of the Communist Party,” the communicator pointed out.
A display interpreted as intimidation
The images sparked numerous reactions among Cubans both on the island and abroad, many of whom interpret the police movement as a sign of intimidation in the face of rising social unrest.
Pure and blatant intimidation, commented a user.
Another comment noted that the regime is trying to show strength in the face of public discontent: “They are mobilizing, they know things are getting ugly for them. But the people are no longer afraid. Freedom”.
Some citizens also questioned the government's priorities in the midst of the energy and fuel crisis the country is experiencing.
“For that, there's gasoline, but not for the ambulances”, wrote an Internet user; while another remarked ironically: “I thought there was no fuel... how quickly it appeared!”.
Called to caution and mobilization
Among the messages circulated, there were also calls to protect those participating in protests or recording on the streets.
"If they go out into the streets, they should cover their faces. We must protect our people", warned a comment.
Other messages insisted that fear seems to be shifting sides.
“When a power can only maintain itself through violence, fear, and repression, it shows that it is truly afraid of its own people,” noted another opinion shared on social media.
There were also numerous messages of support for those who have demonstrated in different locations across the country: "Brave are all those who do not remain silent and take action. You deserve a free Cuba."
A week of rising tension
The police presence in Havana comes after several days of protests in various areas of the country, fueled by the economic crisis, power outages, food shortages, and increasing social unrest.
The images of patrol movement in El Curita are seen by many as an attempt by the regime to display control in a city where citizen discontent continues to grow.
Meanwhile, messages calling for unity and the maintenance of civic pressure continue to multiply on social media.
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