The town of Morón in Ciego de Ávila was engulfed in turmoil on Friday night as residents set ablaze the local Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) office amidst widespread protests and reports of gunfire, with at least one young man reportedly injured.
Independent journalist Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez reported that a police officer allegedly fired his weapon, striking a young man in the thigh near a bonfire in the street in front of the PCC headquarters.
“The exact moment, as reported by those present, when an officer fired his pistol, hitting a young man in the thigh as he stood by a bonfire in the middle of the street outside the PCC building,” the journalist detailed while sharing a video of the event on social media.
The footage shows several locals carrying the injured young man away from the scene to provide first aid, while tensions remained high in the area.
Rodríguez Sánchez also shared additional videos showing demonstrators hurling flaming objects at the Communist Party headquarters, with the flames eventually engulfing the building.
Protesters Destroy Party Property and Propaganda
According to a video posted by journalist Mario J. Pentón, a number of protesters managed to break into the PCC municipal headquarters, removing furniture, portraits, and political propaganda materials.
These items were piled in the street and set ablaze, amidst chants and shouts against the regime. “The people of Cuba have had enough,” some residents commented online, describing the events.
For decades, when Cubans have taken to the streets in peaceful demonstrations, such protests have often been met with police crackdowns, arrests, and violence against the demonstrators. Many citizens believe this relentless pressure has led to a deep-seated social unrest.
To many, what happened in Morón is a clear indication of the exhaustion felt by a segment of the population after years of economic hardship, prolonged power outages, food shortages, and lack of freedom.
Internet Blackout and Gunfire Reports
The incidents unfolded during an internet blackout in the area, complicating real-time information sharing.
Journalists and activists noted that the internet disruption coincided with reports of gunfire and the spread of images showing the blaze near the PCC headquarters.
Residents had previously taken to the streets to protest against ongoing power cuts, food shortages, and the deteriorating living conditions in the country.
Videos shared on social media depict scenes of pot-banging and chants of “Freedom!” during nighttime marches through various parts of Morón.
Key Questions on the Morón Protests
What sparked the protests in Morón?
The protests in Morón were driven by frustration over prolonged power outages, food shortages, and declining living conditions, leading residents to express their discontent with the regime.
How did the authorities respond to the protests?
Authorities reportedly responded with gunfire, resulting in at least one injury, and there was an internet blackout that hindered communication and information sharing during the incident.
What actions did the protesters take?
Protesters set fire to the PCC headquarters, destroyed property and propaganda, and chanted anti-regime slogans, demonstrating their discontent with the government.