Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, a Cuban mother detained for protesting against hunger and poverty in Cuba, has been released. Her release was confirmed on Saturday, March 8, by activists from the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu) in the Río Cauto area, who reported to opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer. These activists visited her home in Guamo Viejo, Río Cauto, to verify the rumors of her release after she had spent three days in police custody.
Her arrest did not come without consequences for the Cuban regime. Carrasco publicly voiced her grievances about essential supplies being taken away, including eggs and milk, and the absence of alcohol and electricity in stores. She questioned the current state of the revolution left by Fidel and Raúl Castro, lamenting that "everything has fallen apart."
The community rallied in support of Carrasco, believing she had committed no crime or deception. Neighbors took to the streets demanding her freedom. Despite attempts by Unpacu activists to have her send a message to her supporters, her family prevented her from speaking out of fear she might be detained again. After her forceful arrest, she was taken to Bayamo for interrogation.
Her immediate circle was instrumental in igniting the protests in Guamo Viejo. The demonstrations spread to Río Cauto, where numerous residents demanded the release of this 47-year-old mother of three, who is unemployed and relies on a temporary home provided by the local government.
In response to the growing unrest—and amid ongoing power outages—the first secretary of the Communist Party in Granma traveled to Río Cauto in an attempt to quell the protests, which were further silenced by an Internet blackout. The official's only claim of success was electrifying a town divided between those who welcome government visits and those who seek justice for their unjustly imprisoned neighbor.
While Mayelín Carrasco was willing to communicate with Unpacu activists, her family intervened to prevent her from sharing her experiences of the last 72 hours, fearing further imprisonment that would leave her children unprotected.
Currently, the conditions of Carrasco's release remain unclear. It is unknown whether she faces fines or other penalties, or if she may be subjected to a future trial for allegedly subverting constitutional order—a charge also leveled against another local Unpacu coordinator, Alexander Verdecia Rodríguez.
FAQs on Mayelín Carrasco's Case and Cuban Protests
Who is Mayelín Carrasco?
Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez is a Cuban mother who was detained for protesting against the lack of basic supplies and government failures in Río Cauto, Granma.
Why was Mayelín Carrasco detained?
She was arrested after publicly criticizing the Cuban government for taking away essential goods and questioning the state of the revolution initiated by Fidel and Raúl Castro.
What was the community's response to her arrest?
Her community rallied in her support, organizing protests demanding her release, believing she had done nothing wrong.
What are the potential consequences she might face?
It is unclear if she will face fines, other penalties, or a future trial for allegedly disrupting constitutional order.