From our Bureau of Ungrateful Miscreants with some assistance from our Bureau of Restless Natives
The natives are restless, yes. But Castro, Inc. isn’t going to do anything to appease them. On the contrary, the military junta will simply double down on repression as it keeps focusing exclusively on whatever they think will bring more tourists to the island. Should we expect an uprising sometime soon? Not a chance. Castro, Inc. made sure to send a clear, strong message on 11 July 2021. Zero tolerance for complaints.
Loosely translated from ADN Cuba
The Cuban Observatory of Conflicts (OCC) recorded nearly 8,500 protests, complaints, and civic actions on the island by the end of 2024. This figure represents a 31% increase compared to the previous year.
“The increase is no coincidence. These 12 months have convinced Cubans that they are hostages of a selfish, inefficient, arrogant, and ruthless power elite,” states the NGO’s communiqué accessed by Martí Noticias.
The NGO verified 8,443 protests during this period, compared to 5,749 in 2023—a 31% rise, according to the report.
Cuba has been undergoing a severe economic, political, and social crisis for over four years due to mismanagement by authorities and an increase in repression, analysts say.
In December, the OCC recorded 760 protests and public complaints in a month marked by “endless power outages, including the third total collapse of the electrical system and the second-largest power generation deficit of the year, with blackouts lasting 16, 20, and even 24 hours.”
Protests over electricity services led the Public Services category (122), although other complaints were received regarding liquefied gas, water, sanitation, transportation, internet, banking, and funeral services, the organization detailed.
The report also highlights ongoing repression against political or common prisoners, activists, opposition members, and independent journalists, as well as members of civil society such as filmmakers, owners of micro and small private businesses, and individuals who voiced criticism on social media.