Iván Daniel Calás Navarro, a Christian content creator and photographer, took to Instagram with a video response aimed squarely at Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. This follows protests that erupted over the weekend in the city of Morón.
In his video, Calás Navarro challenges Díaz-Canel's recent statements, where the Cuban official acknowledged public grievances as "legitimate" only if they are expressed with civility and respect for public order.
Calás Navarro dismissed this notion, citing historical events tied to the revolutionary movement that established Cuba's current political system.
"Complaints and demands are legitimate as long as they are made with civility and order. As a Christian, I will never promote violence, but you cannot speak of violence," Calás Navarro declared in his video.
A Historical Reminder to the Youth
Part of Calás Navarro's message was directed at younger generations who, he suggests, are often unaware of certain events in Cuban history. To support his argument, he referenced incidents from before 1959, such as the 1953 military barracks assault and other violent acts associated with the struggle against the previous dictatorship.
He also highlighted the 1958 kidnapping of Argentine pilot Juan Manuel Fangio and the infamous "night of the hundred bombs" in Havana.
Calás Navarro asserted that these revolutionary acts contradict the current government's rhetoric when condemning protests or accusing demonstrators of violence.
"You have no right to speak of civility or democracy," he emphasized.
The young man concluded his message by invoking his Christian faith and quoting a biblical phrase: "I end with the words of my Lord, who is not the Communist Party of Cuba, it is Jesus Christ. Those who live by the sword, die by the sword," he stated.
Deepening Discontent Across the Island
Calás Navarro's statements emerge amidst a backdrop of escalating social tension in Cuba. In recent months, vast segments of the population have voiced their frustration over the severe economic crisis, characterized by prolonged power outages, food shortages, and a general decline in living conditions.
In many areas, power cuts last for long hours, disrupting daily life for millions and exacerbating difficulties in cooking, preserving food, or simply resting.
The combination of inflation, low wages, and lack of basic goods has fueled a growing discontent, particularly among the youth.
In this environment, social media has become one of the few platforms where citizens, activists, and content creators can openly express their dissatisfaction with the country's situation.
Protests and Government Threats
Calás Navarro's video followed Díaz-Canel's comments about the Morón protests. On social media, the Cuban leader acknowledged the public's frustration over power outages but insisted that demonstrations should be conducted with civility and respect for public order.
He also issued a direct warning to protest participants: "There will be no impunity for vandalism and violence," he stated.
His remarks came after a tense night in Morón, where videos circulated online showing groups of locals marching through the streets, banging pots and chanting anti-government slogans, including "Freedom" and "Homeland and Life."
The protest escalated to confrontations outside the Communist Party's municipal headquarters, resulting in property damage and a public bonfire.
One of the night's most shocking moments was captured in a video showing a young man falling to the ground after a gunshot was heard near the party building.
The footage shows several protestors rushing to assist the young man, carrying him on a motorcycle to a hospital.
Although numerous reports on social media claim he was hit by a police bullet, state media deny this, asserting that he was injured in a fall and that security forces never fired at demonstrators.
Regime's Persistent Deceptions
Government-affiliated media have attempted to frame the incidents as isolated disturbances by a small group allegedly manipulated from abroad.
However, numerous citizen-recorded videos depict scenes of protest and highlight the deep-seated discontent among the population.
Authorities have also reported that at least five people were detained following the chaos.
Meanwhile, official accounts circulated videos of empty streets at night to convey the impression that Morón had returned to normal.
The Morón protest is part of a wave of demonstrations linked to the worsening energy and economic crisis in Cuba, a situation where more citizens openly question the government's management.
Understanding Cuba's Current Social Unrest
What triggered the protests in Morón?
The protests in Morón were sparked by prolonged power outages, which have compounded the ongoing economic crisis and deteriorating living conditions in Cuba.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests?
The Cuban government, through statements from Miguel Díaz-Canel, acknowledged the public's grievances but warned against vandalism and violence, stating there would be no impunity for such acts.
What historical events did Iván Daniel Calás Navarro reference to criticize the government?
Calás Navarro referenced events such as the 1953 military barracks assault, the 1958 kidnapping of Juan Manuel Fangio, and the "night of the hundred bombs" to illustrate contradictions in the government's stance on violence and protests.