At least five people have been detained following protests that took place on Saturday in the Cuban city of Caimanera, in the east of the country, according to reports from anti-regime activists this Sunday.
Some videos released on social networks – and also broadcast by the television station Martí Notícias, based in the United States – show security forces officers attacking and detaining demonstrators chanting slogans in favor of freedom.
“The violent forces of Miguel Díaz-Canel (President of Cuba) are doing the only thing they are good at: oppressing people and violating human rights.” according to the organization Amnesty International.
Five people have been arrested said activist and journalist Yeri Curbelo, who was able to speak to the detainees’ families.
Curbelo says the protesters were confronted by agents from the Black Berets (the elite troops of the Cuban army) and the Red Berets (the army’s preventive troops).
Shortly after the police intervention, internet access was cut off in the Caimanera region of Guantánamo province.
“Once again, the internet has been cut off. Cubans can’t stand it anymore. They demand and deserve freedom and rights,” said Juan Pappier, spokesman for Human Rights Watch.
“The army beat up women and men protesting peacefully in Caimanera, Guantanamo, while the internet was shut down,” activist Carolina Barrero denounced on the social network Twitter.
Source: DN
