Tania Bruguera, Performance Artist
The protest is bigger than
anything that Raul and Fidel Castro were able to organize. But this
was completely spontaneous. There is no leader, no opposition group that is
able to do something like this. You can see it. And they were peaceful. Of course, there were some people
who broke into food stores and also turned some police cars.
Still, the message from the
people was very clear: [Vandalizing] the food stores means they are hungry and
there is no way they have access to food. And turning over the police cars is
saying they have enough of the police abuse. The people have spoken very
clearly....
Yes, of course, the embargo has had an impact. But the situation we are in today is caused by the Cuban government.
Now, on the opposite side, a U.S. military intervention is not a
good response. The destiny of the Cuban people is in the Cuban people’s hands.
And the second that a second country — and intervention, specifically — is in
the picture, that’s not going to help.
First of all, [a military intervention] would back up some of the
Cuban government’s claims. And second, I know, incredibly, it could sway
people. That means many of those that today may be against the government would
close ranks and come together with the government [to stand against U.S.
intervention].
I don’t see it as a good
solution. I think what has to be done is pressure the Cuban government so that
it doesn't have another alternative than to give Cubans rights.
And I do believe that other
countries can help, by telling the Cuban government there’s certain conditions
it must meet to do business. Because the Cuban government is very good at
making itself seem like the victim internationally — the victim of the embargo,
the victim of — air quotes — mercenaries in Cuba, the victim of everything to
get sympathy that translates into money and aid. That has to end.
The world has to stop seeing
the Cuban government as a victim. The Cuban government is the aggressor.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/07/21/cuba-protests-tania-bruguera-500421
Videos from Cardenas and Holguin. Most Cuban protestors were peaceful but some looting of stores, throwing rocks and overturning police cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXmdqnoFxjc
An interactive national map of protests with videos showing variety of size and tone, including some violence
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1AQAArlWutvq3eqA2nK_WObSujttknlxZ&uspell
Rosa Maria Paya, Miami Emigre
"A record number of protests rocked the island nation of Cuba the week of July 11, 2021. Cuba Decide members and leaders directly took part in these historic protests and those outside of the island have been providing critical support by amplifying the messages of those inside the island, organizing solidarity events, reporting and tracking the gross violations of human rights, and providing critical resource support to the network on the ground. No one can argue that this is a critical time in our history and a major turning point for Cuba."
A detailed report on the US linked origins of the original protest at San Antonio de los Banos https://cubapeopletopeople.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-organized-origin-of-protest-at-san.html
Followed up by Reuters
Disturbing account of police mistreatment of protestors
https://jovencuba.com/abusos-manifestantes/
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