Morón Protests: PCC Seat Set on Fire Amid Serious Repression

The city of Morón, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, became this weekend the epicenter of the largest wave of protests in Cuba since July 11, 2021. Fed up with blackouts of up to 20 hours a day and a critical shortage of basic supplies, hundreds of citizens took to the streets on Friday night, culminating in a fire at the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

Outbreak in Morón: What Happened?

What began as a massive “cacerolazo” (pot-banging protest) quickly escalated as demonstrators, mostly young people, gathered in front of official institutions. Videos shared on social media —despite selective internet shutdowns in the area— show flames coming out of the PCC building and people shouting slogans against the administration of Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The response from security forces was immediate and violent. Reports from independent media and civil society leaders denounce the use of firearms against protesters.

Injuries and Repression

The most serious reported incident is that of a young man who was wounded by a gunshot during the riots. Verified images show the young man being assisted by other protesters while repressive forces attempt to disperse the crowd with tear gas and batons.

“It’s a breaking point. People have nothing left to lose because it has already been taken away from them,” commented a Morón resident under condition of anonymity.

Context of a Permanent Crisis

This outbreak occurs in the context of a national energy collapse. Cuba is currently facing a generation deficit exceeding 2,000 MW, leaving much of the country in darkness for most of the day. The lack of fuel not only affects electricity but also water distribution and basic services, pushing popular discontent to a boiling point.

FAQ on the Protests in Morón

What was the main reason for the protest in Morón?
The trigger was the extreme blackouts (up to 20 hours without power) and the lack of basic supplies, added to the accumulated frustration over the general economic crisis.

Which buildings were affected during the demonstration?
A fire caused by protesters at the municipal headquarters of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Morón was reported.

Have any casualties or injuries been confirmed?
There are verified videos of at least one young man wounded by gunfire. Human rights organizations are trying to confirm the total number of detainees and injured persons.

How has the Cuban government reacted to these events?
So far, the official response has consisted of sending special troops (“black berets”) to the area and cutting internet services to prevent the spread of images.

Sources: BBC Mundo, El Nuevo Herald, CiberCuba.

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