Protests in Cuba’s city of Morón escalated into violent vandalism on Friday night following localized energy shortages and food access disruptions, according to Cuban authorities. Videos captured a group of protesters scaling the entrance of a communist party building, igniting fires inside the structure, and hurling contents through windows onto streets. The incident occurred amid reported tensions over the ongoing crisis in Morón, located in Ciego de Avila province—approximately 250 miles east of Havana with a population of around 70,000.
Cuban officials stated that authorities arrested five individuals after protesters destroyed the building’s entrance and damaged nearby pharmacies and retail outlets. Reports emerged of a man collapsing following what appeared to be a gunshot, prompting protesters to shout, “They shot him! They’re shooting!” However, state media later clarified that the shots were fired into the air to disperse demonstrators, and the individual was identified as one who fell during an altercation while attempting to remove a party identification card.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the unrest to what he described as an “increasingly cruel and intensified U.S. energy blockade,” emphasizing that complaints about blackouts are legitimate only when made with civility and respect for public order. He asserted, “What will never be understandable, justified, or acceptable is violence and vandalism that threatens public tranquility and the security of our institutions. There will be no impunity for vandalism and violence.” Diaz-Canel reiterated that tranquility remains predominant in Ciego de Avila province despite the unrest.
