Thousands of Cubans have taken part in rare protests against the communist government, chanting, “Down with the dictatorship,” as President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on his supporters to confront the demonstrators.
The anti-government rallies started spontaneously in several cities as the country endures its worst economic crisis in 30 years, with chronic shortages of electricity and food.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds, and at least 10 people were arrested, while officers used plastic pipes to beat protesters, AFP journalists witnessed.
Several hundred protesters marched through the capital Havana chanting liberty songs with a heavy military and police presence deployed after demonstrators massed outside the Capitol building.
Several thousand protesters – mainly young people – also took to the streets of San Antonio de los Banos, a town 30 kilometres southwest of Havana.
Security forces arrived soon after the protests began, and Diaz-Canel later visited the town himself surrounded by party activists as residents heckled him, according to videos posted online.
The president delivered a combative television address, calling on all revolutionaries of the country, all communists, to go out in the streets where these provocations occur… and to face them in a decisive, firm and courageous way.
Government supporters held some counter-demonstrations in Havana.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
