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Yuniasky Crespo Baquero, the head of the Ideological Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), described the protests on Friday in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, as "vandalism."
“We cannot see vandalism as normal; that is neither discontent nor unrest, much less a claim for a right,” the official said on X, in response to Díaz-Canel’s statements.
The leader described the protest in Morón on Saturday as “vandalism” and “violence” and warned the demonstrators that there would be no impunity.
"For vandalism and violence, there will be no impunity," he said in X.
He also assured that the claims are legitimate as long as actions are taken with "civility."
"It is understandable the discomfort that prolonged blackouts, resulting from the energy blockade by the U.S., have caused our people, a situation that has been cruelly exacerbated in recent months," wrote the ruler, 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, justified, or accepted is the violence and vandalism that threaten citizen tranquility and the security of our institutions," he/she added.
Protest in Morón
Díaz-Canel's statements come hours after a night of heightened tensions in Morón, where numerous videos circulated on social media showing groups of residents marching through the streets, chanting slogans against the government and participating in pot-banging protests.
During the demonstrations, clashes also occurred in front of the municipal party headquarters, where a fire broke out in the street and damage to the building was reported.
One of the most striking moments of the protest was captured in a video widely circulated on the internet, which shows the moment a young man is injured after a gunshot is heard while he was near the PCC building.
In the images, the young man falls to the ground and is helped by several protesters, who carry him and transport him on a scooter 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 could be a minor— official media have denied that shots were fired at protesters and maintain that the young man was injured from a fall.
The official narrative has also tried to portray 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 arrested.
Meanwhile, profiles linked to government institutions have released videos recorded early in the morning showing empty streets in Morón, accompanied by messages assuring that the city is "in total tranquility."
The protests occurred amid a growing social discontent on the island, fueled by prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and the decline in living conditions.
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