In the wake of public demonstrations in Río Cauto, Granma, where residents took to the streets demanding the release of a mother of three detained after criticizing food shortages, the authorities staged a "revolutionary reaffirmation" event. This move appears to be an effort to bolster their image and quell the growing public dissatisfaction.
The local government organized the gathering for 7:00 am on Monday at the Ángel Frías Cultural Plaza, urging people to come together in defense of "our most cherished flag, the Cuban Revolution," as stated in a Facebook post. With slogans like "Together for the Homeland and the Revolution!" and "Homeland or Death! We Will Overcome!" the regime aimed to rally the populace in a propagandistic display, following citizen protests that highlighted the community's discontent.
Last Friday, numerous residents of Río Cauto demonstrated, demanding the release of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez. She had been arrested after publicly denouncing the severe food shortages in her area. During the protest, participants chanted "Freedom for Mayelín" and banged pots to protest the food crisis and living conditions in the region.
In an attempt to address the public unrest, the municipal government announced the installation of a turbine to pump water to several communities left without access to water due to a supply failure affecting over 14,000 individuals. Additionally, they organized a small agricultural fair to sell produce such as bananas, rice, peas, and cornmeal.
These efforts by the regime seem aimed at soothing the social discontent and projecting an image of normalcy. Meanwhile, on social media, the local government shared images of empty streets, seemingly to downplay the scale of the protests.
The Case of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez
Mayelín Carrasco, 47, had publicly criticized the shortage of basic food items like milk and eggs, as well as the lack of cooking resources. Her protest voiced dissatisfaction with the country's situation and disillusionment with the revolution.
Following her arrest on Thursday, local authorities attempted to discredit her by claiming she had rejected housing solutions supposedly offered to her. Her detention sparked a revolt among her neighbors, who felt her arrest was unjust and decided to protest for her release.
The initial protest in Guamo Viejo, home to roughly 600 residents, quickly spread to Río Cauto, where dozens more joined the movement. In response, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Granma traveled to the municipality, attempting to appease the crowd by highlighting the area's electrification as a "revolutionary achievement."
On Saturday, March 8, after being held for three days and interrogated by political police, Carrasco was released. Despite her release, it remains unclear what conditions she now faces. There is no information on whether she was fined or subjected to any other penalties, nor is it known if she could face future legal action on charges of "subversion of constitutional order."
Key Questions About the Protests in Río Cauto
What triggered the protests in Río Cauto?
The protests in Río Cauto were triggered by the arrest of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, a mother of three, who publicly denounced the severe food shortages in her community.
How did the Cuban government respond to the protests?
In response to the protests, the Cuban government organized a "revolutionary reaffirmation" event and announced measures such as installing a turbine to pump water and holding a small agricultural fair to sell food products.
What is the current status of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez?
Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez has been released after being detained for three days, but it remains unclear if she faces any penalties or future legal charges related to her protest.