Cubans across the country took to the streets to protest the communist government. New internet access in Cuba helped them spread before being shut down.
Summary
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets of Havana in what is apparently the largest protests since 1994.
- The protest erupted after Cuba’s economic difficulties have been amplified by a “resurgence in COVID-19 infections.”
- The number of protestors swelled after many saw the protests online: mobile internet was only introduced less than three years ago.
- According to the Associated Press, the protestors voiced their opposition to food shortages and high prices, while a group of pro-government individuals joined the protests as a means to change the message, who ended up assaulting journalists.
- The Havana protest sparked demonstrations in Miami, Florida, which has a large Cuban population, with thousands demonstrating for a “Free Cuba.”
- Bloomberg’s reporting began with a unique, but appropriate take on the Cuban protests: the communist government’s “acknowledgement” that they’re even occurring.
- The New York Times categorized the protests, some of which turned violent after protestors looted government-run stores and turned over a police car, as “astonishing” for “a country known for repressive crackdowns on dissidents.”
- The Washington Post noted the role social media played in the widespread protests, while quoting the Cuban president as blaming the United States for instigating the protests.
- The Daily Wire was more activist (on the side of the protestors), highlighting some of the videos circulated on social media of protestors taking over government offices, while noting the “intense backlash” Biden administration officials received online after saying the protests were solely related to COVID-19.
- RedState reported on the protests, pointing to videos on Twitter showing Cuban protestors demanding freedom and waving the American flag, which is apparently a crime in the communist island nation.
- Fox News pointed out Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders’ previous defense of Communist Cuba and that he has yet to issue any statement or remarks about the recent protests for freedom.
Author’s Take
Between Cuba and Haiti, it seems as though the Caribbean is experiencing some political turmoil. So far, the press has been diligent in covering it, and for the most part, covering it fairly. The test will be how the Biden administration’s response will be covered.
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© Dallas Gerber, 2021
