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The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel described the protest in Morón the previous night as "vandalism" and "violence" and warned the protesters that there will be no impunity.
“For vandalism and violence, there will be no impunity,” said the leader on X.
He also affirmed that the claims are legitimate as long as they are made with "civility."
"It is understandable the discomfort that prolonged blackouts cause in our people, as a consequence of the energy blockade by the U.S., which has cruelly intensified in recent months," wrote the leader, attributing the situation in Cuba to the U.S., as is customary in the regime's propaganda.
"And the complaints and claims are legitimate, as long as they are made with civility and respect for public order. What will never be understandable, justifiable, or acceptable is the violence and vandalism that threaten public peace and the security of our institutions," he added.
Díaz-Canel's statements come just hours after a night of intense tensions in Morón, where numerous videos circulated on social media showing groups of residents marching through the streets, chanting slogans against the government and performing pot-banging protests.
During the demonstrations, clashes also occurred in front of the municipal headquarters of the Party, where a fire broke out in the street and damage was caused to the building.
One of the most striking moments of the protest was captured in a video widely circulated on the internet, showing the instant when a young man was injured after a gunshot was heard while he was near the PCC building.
In the images, the young man falls to the ground and is assisted by several protesters, who carry him and transport him on a motorcycle to take him to a hospital.
Although various reports on social media claim that the young man was shot by a police officer—and some even suggest that he might be a minor—official media have denied that there were any shots fired at protesters and maintain that the young man was injured in a fall.
The official narrative has also attempted to depict the events as isolated disturbances led by a small group of individuals manipulated from the outside, and state media reports that five people have been detained.
Meanwhile, profiles associated with government institutions have circulated videos recorded in the early morning showing empty streets in Morón, accompanied by messages claiming that the city is "in total tranquility."
The protests occurred amid a growing social unrest on the island, fueled by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and the deterioration of living conditions.
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