The state-controlled media in Cuba has described the recent demonstrations in Morón, Ciego de Ávila, as mere "vandalism" and a "disorder" caused by a manipulated group, effectively downplaying the events.
The provincial news outlet, Invasor, published an article and social media posts portraying the incidents as isolated events already brought under control by the authorities, with five people reportedly detained.
"ATTENTION CIEGO DE ÁVILA! ATTENTION, CUBA!" the state media broadcasted, claiming that a "controlled disorder" occurred when a group "manipulated and guided" vandalized the local Communist Party office.
According to the media's account, the demonstrators took to the streets due to grievances related to Cuba's ongoing crisis.
"Late Saturday night, a group, mainly from the El Vaquerito neighborhood, marched through various streets of Morón... voicing concerns primarily about the power shortages and access to food," the report added.
The publication acknowledged that the protests initially unfolded peacefully.
"What started as peaceful, following dialogue with local authorities, escalated into acts of vandalism against the Municipal Party Committee headquarters," stated the report.
In the official narrative, a faction attacked the Communist Party building.
"A smaller group threw stones at the entrance and set fire to furniture from the reception area in the street," it noted.
The article also mentioned damage to other local businesses.
"Preliminary reports indicate damage to other facilities, including a pharmacy and a Caribbean Stores point of sale," the state media confirmed, along with the five arrests following the upheaval.
Regarding the young man seen injured in circulating videos, the government-affiliated media denied police aggression.
"The young man, now labeled a 'victim,' ironically led the disorder," the text claimed.
According to official reports, he was injured while attempting to remove a Party sign.
"As he tried to pull down the Party sign, he fell and was taken to the hospital by his companions on a motorcycle, where he is receiving medical care without complications," it stated.
The publication insisted that the events were staged for propaganda purposes.
"This was not spontaneous. The footage clearly shows it was orchestrated, with open incitements to disorder and violence, aiming for a spectacle to be exploited from abroad," the media asserted.
The article also reiterated the typical state propaganda about foreign manipulation.
"From outside, the usual enemies repeat their script, falsely accusing the Cuban government and using the same worn-out slogans," it continued.
It added that some within Cuba join this narrative.
"A few here are eager to join the manipulation chorus, serving foreign interests that wish to disrupt peace and halt talks between Cuba and the United States," it claimed.
Finally, the media assured that the situation in Morón is now stable.
"Morón is calm now. The people of Ciego de Ávila, with their steadfastness and awareness, have responded with unity, calmness, and revolutionary commitment," the message concluded.
The statement ended with a slogan typical of the official discourse: "NO TO VIOLENCE, NO TO MANIPULATION! NO ONE WILL DIVIDE CUBANS OR TARNISH THE DIGNITY OF THOSE WHO DEFEND THE TRUTH."
Following the release by Invasor, several official profiles and communicators echoed this version.
This included journalist Francisnet Díaz Rondón, who shared the report and reiterated the state media's narrative about the supposed "vandalism."
Simultaneously, profiles linked to local institutions shared images of empty streets to project a sense of normalcy.
"In #Morón, civic tranquility at this hour," wrote Alejandro Cosme Quiñones, who according to his Facebook profile, works in the Municipal Culture Directorate in the municipality.
Displaying photos of inactive areas to suggest control is a recurrent tactic of the Cuban regime's propaganda apparatus amid protests or social tensions.
However, videos circulating on social media tell a different story.
A video shows the moment several protesters carry a seemingly injured young man onto a motorcycle to rush him for medical attention, amidst frantic screams from those around him.
Activist Magdiel Castro shared the footage on X, warning about the severity of the events.
"Images of the bullet-wounded during the Morón protests... reports suggest he is a minor. Awaiting confirmation," he wrote.
Independent journalist José Raúl Gallego claimed on Facebook that the youth was shot by a police officer during the clashes.
His report indicated the bullet struck the boy's thigh near a bonfire in front of the local Communist Party office, one of the protest focal points.
Gallego also reported that the local Communist Party headquarters was set ablaze, and several bicycles used by police were burnt during the disturbances.
Other social media reports allege that special forces deployed in the area released dogs against protesters to disperse the crowd.
The journalist further noted that children and teenagers were among the protest participants, heightening concerns over the violence during the events.
These protests occur amid growing social unrest over prolonged blackouts, food shortages, and deteriorating living conditions in Cuba.
Numerous videos have emerged on social media of chants for "Freedom!" and pot-banging as groups of residents took to the streets.
Other reports from activists indicate that after initial confrontations, the protest moved towards the city's police station.
So far, Cuban authorities have not publicly detailed the events or the injured youth's condition, while citizen complaints about repression during protests motivated by the island's deepening economic and energy crisis continue to grow.
Understanding the Morón Protests
What triggered the protests in Morón, Cuba?
The protests in Morón were primarily triggered by the country's severe issues, including prolonged power outages, food shortages, and overall declining living conditions.
How did the Cuban state media portray the protests?
The Cuban state media portrayed the protests as acts of vandalism and disorder orchestrated by a manipulated group, downplaying the significance of the demonstrations.
Was there any violence reported during the demonstrations?
Yes, reports and videos on social media indicate that violence occurred, including a young man allegedly being shot by police and the burning of bicycles used by police during the disturbances.
What actions did the authorities take in response to the protests?
Authorities reportedly detained five individuals and used special forces, including releasing dogs, to disperse the protestors, according to reports and eyewitnesses.