The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) has initiated an extensive security operation in Santiago de Cuba in response to the emergence of anti-government graffiti in the "El Oasis" neighborhood, located in Siboney along the city's coastal area. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported that the slogans on the graffiti conveyed public dissatisfaction with phrases like "How long without a home," "Díaz-Canel without a house," and "Down with the dictatorship," echoing sentiments from previous protests against the Cuban regime.
Authorities swiftly reacted by militarizing the area, with forensic experts dispatched to photograph the graffiti and collect fingerprints, treating the scene with the gravity of a crime investigation. The coastal area was cordoned off to prevent photography, although some images of the operation surfaced on social media.
"They sealed off the area and wouldn't let cars stop, but people always find a way to document evidence," commented Mayeta, who shared photos from the scene on his platforms. The images reveal the structure where the graffiti appeared before MININT agents and workers attempted to cover it with paint.
Public Dissent Grows Amid Economic Hardship
In recent years, Cuba has witnessed numerous expressions of public dissent, with graffiti and murals challenging Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Communist Party, and the Revolution, highlighting the population's growing frustration over economic woes, power outages, and government repression.
Matanzas (March 2024): Following intense protests on March 17, graffiti saying "Díaz-Canel singao" appeared on the wall of the popular Playa del Tenis in the city's viaduct, just hours after massive protests in Cárdenas, where residents took to the streets banging pots, joining demonstrations across various Cuban cities.
Alquízar, Artemisa (May 2024): The Domingo Lence promenade was defaced with blue paint slogans reading "Down with Canel!" and "Freedom," reflecting local discontent after enduring extended power outages.
Santiago de Cuba (April 2024): Near the central Plaza de Marte, anti-Díaz-Canel graffiti appeared on a house wall weeks after large-scale protests in the city, with the authorities quickly obscuring part of it with dark paint.
Havana (September 2023): In the Centro Habana municipality, a message reading "Diasca coño de tu madre" was spotted on a wall at the intersection of Campanario and Figuras streets.
Bauta, Artemisa, and Camajuaní, Villa Clara (June 2022): Following prolonged power outages, graffiti with phrases like "Díaz-Canel singao" emerged on walls in these areas, including on the Banco Popular de Ahorro branch in Bauta after residents endured more than eight hours without electricity.
Cuban Public Dissent and Government Response
What triggered the security operation in Santiago de Cuba?
The operation was triggered by the appearance of anti-government graffiti in the "El Oasis" neighborhood, expressing public dissatisfaction with the regime.
How did the authorities respond to the graffiti?
Authorities militarized the area, sent forensic experts to photograph and gather evidence, and cordoned off the area to prevent photography.
What are some recent instances of public protest in Cuba?
Recent protests include graffiti in Matanzas, Alquízar, Santiago de Cuba, Havana, and other locations, often following economic hardships and power outages.