The largest mass demonstrations in three decades have flooded Cuba, the Guardian reported. Thousands took to the streets across the country to protest food shortages, high prices and government governance.
The protests began on Sunday morning in the city of San Antonio de los Banyos and in the city of Palma Soriano in the east. The news quickly reached Havana and the early afternoon, and a demonstration of many thousands was organized there. Protesters were greeted by plainclothes police, who arrested hundreds of protesters by force.
Supporters of the government, who staged a counter-protest, accused the protesters of being US mercenaries who spend approximately $ 20 million a year on “promoting democracy” in the country.
Cubans are currently experiencing the worst economic crisis the country has faced in 30 years. The Trump administration has imposed more than 200 sanctions on Cuba aimed at sabotaging the economy. So far, this problem has not been addressed by the Biden administration.
Because of the pandemic, which has melted tourism revenues, Cubans have had to wait in lines for hours to buy basic goods and medicines.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel made a statement in San Antonio de los Banos and called on his supporters to take to the streets in response to the protest against his government.
