Dr. Erlis Sierra, a pediatrician and father of two, boldly confronted local officials in Baire, a town in the Contramaestre municipality, demanding genuine solutions to the community's issues. He reminded them that the Constitution grants him the right to speak freely. This moment, captured on video, has become emblematic of the widespread civic discontent following this week's protests in the Santiago region.
"I'm not afraid to go there because no one will harm me. The Constitution gives me freedom of speech," the young doctor asserted during a tense exchange with municipal leaders. He called for concrete actions to address the accumulation of garbage, lack of potable water, health issues, and the inefficacy of the People's Power delegates.
The demonstrator advocated for grassroots organization to solve everyday problems without relying on state bureaucracy. "If you lack fuel or insecticide for fumigation, let us know. We will help. But don't let us get sick," he urged, visibly frustrated.
A Weary Community and a Defensive Regime
The statements came in the wake of massive protests in Baire on Thursday night, where dozens of residents took to the streets shouting "Freedom!" and "Down with Díaz-Canel!" amidst a blackout lasting over 30 hours. Videos shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada showed residents banging pots and marching through the dark streets, demanding food, electricity, and water.
The regime responded with its usual tactics: shutting down the Internet across the municipality, deploying police forces, and controlling the narrative through state-run media. The Ministry of Interior-affiliated page, Héroes del Moncada, attempted to downplay the events, framing them as an "exchange between authorities and the people," and accused "external users" of manipulating information.
Nevertheless, the images that managed to circulate depict a widespread atmosphere of exhaustion and a citizenry unafraid to voice their dissatisfaction.
Repression Following the Uprising
Hours after his encounter with the authorities, Erlis Sierra was arrested by police. Local sources confirmed that officers from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) and the Ministry of Interior went to his home in the El Transformador neighborhood—one of the protest's most active areas—and detained him for participating in the demonstration.
Neighbors reported that when the officers initially failed to find him, they threatened to arrest his father if the young doctor did not surrender voluntarily. On social media, the hashtag #FreeErlisSierra has proliferated as a show of support and demand for his release.
Another protester, Osmani Heredia, was also arrested after appearing in videos shared online. Accounts from Contramaestre describe an atmosphere of fear and surveillance, with patrols sweeping through neighborhoods and residents being summoned for "interviews" at police stations.
Understanding the Unrest in Baire, Cuba
What prompted Dr. Erlis Sierra's confrontation with authorities?
Dr. Erlis Sierra confronted the authorities due to ongoing issues in Baire, including garbage accumulation, lack of potable water, and ineffective local governance, asserting his constitutional right to speak freely.
How did the Cuban government react to the protests in Baire?
The government responded by cutting Internet access, deploying police forces, and attempting to control the narrative through state media, portraying the protests as mere exchanges between citizens and officials.