This is an unimaginable fact in Cuba.Thousands of Cuban citizens took to the streets on Sunday, 11 July 2021 to demand respect for the rights of the people and the end of the dictatorship. Freedom”, “Down with the dictatorship”, are the key words of this great rally that challenged the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel. In this country where popular demonstrations are banned, the people have armed themselves with courage to denounce the famine and the difficult living conditions.
For the first time in the political history of Cuba, the people revolted and invaded the streets on Sunday, July 11, 2021. A demonstration on the national territory which saw the participation of a large number of citizens doubtless exasperated by the economic situation of the country. Famine, deprivation of liberty, the impact of Covid-19 and rampant dictatorship are the reasons Cuban demonstrators cited to justify their discontent. In almost every province and in many cities, people took to the streets. The determination of these Cubans who challenged the police suggests that the demonstrations will continue in the coming weeks.
More than 40 people were arrested by the defence and security forces. Others suffered the effects of teargas launched to disperse the crowd or the brutality of the police in the repression of the demonstration.
Outraged, these protesters attacked the cars of the security forces that they did not hesitate to break or overthrow. The Internet network was cut for a good part of the day, according to the demonstrators, to prevent the images of the brutal police repression from being broadcast live.
The Head of State, Miguel Díaz-Canel, spoke the evening of this protest to call for calm and serenity. He recognized the difficult living conditions in the country but invited citizens to pay attention to the manipulation of the United States which he considers the country’s sworn enemy. Washington has also condemned the use of violence by the police to suppress a peaceful demonstration guaranteed by the Cuban constitution. We condemn the Cuban dictatorial regime for calling for the repression of civilians and confrontation against those who exercise their right to protest.” , tweeted Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS).
