The human rights situation in Cuba remains under high international scrutiny following recent reports from independent organizations and media outlets like El País. According to the latest findings, at least four minors are among those detained following intense protests in mid-March in the town of Morón, Ciego de Ávila.

The Morón Incident

Protests in Morón were not an isolated event but part of growing social discontent fueled by the shortage of basic services and the energy crisis. The most critical point of these demonstrations was the fire at the local Cuban Communist Party (PCC) headquarters, a symbolic act of rejection against the current system.

The government’s response has been a “repressive wave” that, according to the NGO Cubalex, has not discriminated based on age. The detention of minors underscores an intimidation tactic aimed at stifling any attempt at similar movements in other regions of the country.

A Pattern of Repression

This event joins alarming statistics presented by organizations like Prisoners Defenders, which document a cumulative total of thousands of political detentions since the historic July 11, 2021 protests. Despite the recent announcement of a mass pardon for over 2,000 common prisoners, the official narrative is questioned by the continued detention of activists, artists, and now, minors.

International Reaction

The international community and human rights organizations continue to demand the release of emblematic figures like Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Castillo “Osorbo,” who remain in prison. The inclusion of minors in criminal judicial proceedings following the Morón protests adds a new layer of urgency to calls for intervention and monitoring by global bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly happened in Morón in March 2026? Strong popular protests occurred, driven by the economic crisis and power outages, culminating in the fire of the local Communist Party headquarters.

2. How many minors have been detained according to the reports? The NGO Cubalex has identified at least four minors among those arrested during the Morón incidents.

3. What is the current state of repression in Cuba? International organizations report that repression remains the government’s primary tool to control social discontent, featuring arbitrary arrests and severe judicial processes.

4. Has the recent mass pardon of prisoners had any impact? While the government pardoned over 2,000 people, activists claim these are common criminals and used to “clean up” the country’s image without releasing true political prisoners.

Sources: El País, CiberCuba, Cubalex

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