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(AFP via Getty Images)
Cuban protesters filled the streets of the island nation over the weekend to reject what they call a “lack of freedom†as well as a lack of food and medicine exacerbated by both the coronavirus and US meddling through the use of sanctions.
Protesters have called for Cuba’s president, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to step down, according to Reuters.
Mr Diaz-Canel pointed to the US as the culprit behind the nation’s commodity scarcity. Since 2000, US sanctions placed on Cuba – which the government claims has cost the country hundreds of billions of dollars over the decades – has allowed for food and humanitarian relief goods to pass through the embargo.
The White House responded to Mr Diaz-Canel’s accusation that the US was fomenting the unrest. “That’s simply inaccurate,†White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Monday at her daily briefing, adding, “there’s every indication that yesterday’s protests were reactions of the people in Cuba to exhaustion of the governance of the leaders of the stateâ€.
Like much of the rest of the world, Cuba has struggled to provide for its citizens as mounting coronavirus infections leave hospitals overwhelmed and supplies dwindling.
Cuba’s president has called for his “revolutionaries†to take to the street alongside the nation’s military to push back against the protesters. In a televised address, he said the “order to combat has been given.â€
In Miami, where many Cubans who opposed Fidel Castro’s regime fled after the Cuban Revolution, opponents of the revolutionary leaders have started marching in solidarity with protesters still on the island. Some Republican lawmakers, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Texas Senator Ted Cruz, have praised the protests despite regularly villainizing protesters in their own states and nation.
Congressman Adam Schiff backs ‘peaceful Cubans’ in struggle for freedom
The California lawmaker, took to Twitter to back the protests taking place on the Caribbean island.
“Cubans are suffering devastating food, medicine, and power shortages — made worse by the pandemic and an authoritarian regime enriching itself rather than supporting its people,†the Democratic congressman from Los Angeles tweeted.
“We stand with peaceful Cubans in their continued struggle for freedom, dignity, and a better life.
Graeme Massie13 July 2021 05:00
Senator Bob Menendez says he ‘supports’ Cuban protests
The US Senator from New Jersey, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, said on Twitter “we want you to be free.â€
“This is a moment that may change the course of history,†tweeted Mr Menendez.
“My message to the courageous people of Cuba coming forward after so many years of repression to say enough is enough: We support you. We want you to be free. We want you to be able to live the life you choose.â€
Graeme Massie13 July 2021 03:30
Miami mayor says that Cuba protests show the ‘false promise’ of socialism
Republican Francis Suarez told Fox News hit out at the Communist regime in the Caribbean country that is now dealing with the biggest protests in decades.
“[It] has failed not just in Cuba but in the history of humanity—this is an ideology that promises to create equality,†said the Miami mayor.
“The only equality it has delivered is equal misery for all of its citizens in every country that its been tried,.
“It’s time for the United States to understand that. It’s time for us to understand this could affect American cities if we’re not careful.â€
(Getty Images)
Graeme Massie13 July 2021 02:30
Bernie Sanders says he ‘supports’ rights of Cubans to protest
The Democratic Senator from Vermont was asked about his views on the unprecedented protests by Fox News.
“Well, I support throughout Latin America and Cuba and every place else the right of people to protest for a decent economy and for political freedom.†he said.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Graeme Massie13 July 2021 01:30
Venezuelan security forces ‘threaten’ opposition leader Juan Guaido and arrest ally
Venezuelan opposition leaderJuan Guaido says that the county’s security forces threatened to arrest him at his home and took a close ally into custody.
The crackdown came one day after unprecedented protests in Cuba.
Graeme Massie12 July 2021 23:58
Marco Rubio retweets video of more Cuba protests
The Cuban-American US Senator took to Twitter to repost video of more street protests on the Caribbean island.
“Tweet below reports this is happening today in Holguin,†he wrote.
Graeme Massie12 July 2021 23:16
Mitch McConnell hits out at Cuba’s ‘brutal socialist regime’
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took to Twitter to throw his support behind the protests happening in Cuba.
“Cuba’s brutal socialist regime has stolen the dreams of millions of innocent people,†he tweeted.
“From Miami to Louisville, Cuban Americans are keeping the faith with brave protestors demanding an end to the regime’s injustices. America must stand with them.â€
Graeme Massie12 July 2021 22:49
Cuba cuts off access to popular social media, messaging apps
The Cuban government has cut off access to numerous social media and messaging apps in what appears to be an attempt to disrupt the organising efforts of anti-government protesters.
Access to Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram was denied by the Cuban government as protests that began on Sunday continued to spread throughout the country.
Curiously, access to Twitter has been allowed to continue unfettered.
Graig Graziosi12 July 2021 22:00
Cuban coronavirus infection rates broke records last week
Cuba’s coronavirus infection numbers broke records last week, with the country reporting 6,750 cases and 31 deaths. Members of the country’s opposition party claim the numbers are much higher.
Rising coronavirus cases paired with a scarcity of medicine and lack of access to a vaccine have left the country reeling.
Before the pandemic hit Cuba, the nation sent its doctors around the world to help fight the pandemic in areas that had been hit hard by the virus.
Graig Graziosi12 July 2021 21:45
Associated Press reporter attacked by Cuba pro-government protesters
The Associated Press has reported that pro-government activists in Cuba assaulted a cameraman and broke his camera. Another journalist, also an AP photographer, was reportedly injured by Cuban police.
AP reporters also noted that police in plainclothes abducted protesters and left with them in unmarked vehicles.
Graig Graziosi12 July 2021 21:30
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