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Mike Hammer, the head of U.S. diplomacy in Cuba, expressed his concern for the situation of the residents of Morón, Ciego de Ávila, following the protests that occurred on Friday night.
“I was in Morón in January and I'm very worried about the situation. I met with some everyday Cubans there, I hope they are doing well,” Hammer said on X.
Hammer's words come after the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel described the protest in Morón as “vandalism” and “violence” and threatened the protesters by stating that there will be no impunity.
"There will be no impunity for vandalism and violence," said the leader in X.
He also stated that the claims are legitimate as long as actions are taken with "civility."
“It is understandable the discomfort caused in our people by the prolonged blackouts, 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 comprehensible, justified, or accepted is the violence and vandalism that threaten public tranquility and the security of our institutions,” he added.
Protests in Morón
Friday night was one of high tensions in Morón, where numerous videos circulated on social media showing groups of residents marching through the streets, chanting slogans against the government and engaging in pan banging protests.
During the demonstrations, clashes also occurred in front of the municipal headquarters of the Party, where a fire was reported on the public road and damage to the building was recorded.
One of the most striking moments of the protest was captured in a video widely shared on the internet, where a young man is seen getting injured after a gunshot is heard while he was near the PCC building.
In the images, the boy 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 may be a minor — official media have denied that any shots were fired at protesters and maintain that the young man was injured by falling.
The official narrative has also attempted to present the events as isolated disturbances led by a small group of individuals manipulated from the outside, and state-run media reports that five people have been arrested.
Meanwhile, profiles linked to government institutions have shared videos recorded in the early morning showing empty streets in Morón, accompanied by messages asserting that the city is "in total calm."
The demonstrations took place amidst a growing social unrest on the island, fueled by prolonged power outages, food shortages, and the deteriorating living conditions.
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