Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has responded to the recent protests in Cuba by issuing a stark warning to the island's government, urging them not to suppress the demonstrators who have taken to the streets amid escalating social unrest.
In a message shared on Facebook, the legislator emphasized that these demonstrations are a clear indication of widespread public dissatisfaction. "Cuba is out on the streets demanding freedom. To the dictatorship: not one more abuse against the Cuban people!" she declared.
Salazar posted a video of herself with her cellphone, capturing the sound of protests, marked by banging pots and pans, resonating across various parts of the country. She clarified that these demonstrations were being heard all the way from Miami and insisted that the citizens have the right to protest.
"This is the voice of the Cuban people, we're hearing you—the clatter of pots and pans... whether in Havana, Matanzas, or throughout the Island," she stated.
The video was recorded on Friday night, as people across different Cuban cities protested the political system. "The people are shouting for freedom, down with communism. We're listening from here in Miami," she added.
The congresswoman also sent a direct message to Cuban authorities, cautioning them that the United States government is keeping a close watch on the situation on the Island.
"To the regime: don't go against them, they have the right to be on the streets and express themselves," she asserted.
The Republican politician emphasized that Washington is closely monitoring the developments. "We here in the United States are watching you. The federal government, as you know, President Trump. Be careful, don't touch the Cubans," she warned.
Salazar's remarks come amid reports of protests in several Cuban municipalities in recent hours.
Videos circulating on social media depict the sounds of banging pots and cries of protest in areas of Havana and the province of Matanzas. Mentioned locations include municipalities like Jagüey Grande, as well as neighborhoods in Old Havana and Marianao.
In numerous recordings, neighbors can be heard hitting pots from their homes or the streets, often in the darkness caused by power outages.
The demonstrations are happening against a backdrop of rising social discontent on the Island, where the population is facing increasingly prolonged and frequent power cuts.
The power outages exacerbate the tension in the country, particularly after a massive blackout midweek intensified the energy crisis.
The lack of electricity adds to other everyday hardships in Cuba, such as shortages of food, fuel, and essential goods. The clanging of pots has become a way for the public to voice their discontent amid the crisis.
Nighttime protests, accompanied by cries for "freedom" and anti-communist slogans, are becoming more frequent across the country, signaling public frustration.
María Elvira Salazar's response joins other political voices from abroad who closely follow the citizen protests in Cuba and warn against potential crackdowns on the demonstrators.
The protests highlight the population's dissatisfaction with the economic crisis and ongoing power outages.
Key Questions on Cuban Protests
What sparked the recent protests in Cuba?
The recent protests in Cuba were sparked by widespread social unrest due to prolonged power outages, economic difficulties, and shortages of basic goods.
How has the United States responded to the protests in Cuba?
The United States, through figures like María Elvira Salazar, has warned the Cuban regime not to repress the protesters and indicated that the federal government is monitoring the situation closely.
What are the main demands of the Cuban protesters?
Cuban protesters are demanding freedom, an end to the communist regime, and solutions to the economic crisis, including resolving power outages and shortages of essentials.