In response to news of the protests in Cuba yesterday (11 July), Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:

“It was a historic day for Cuba but during the spontaneous demonstrations we received alarming reports of internet blackouts, arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force – including police firing on demonstrators – and reports of a long list of missing people.

“Instead of repressing the population, the Cuban authorities have an obligation to protect their right to demonstrate peacefully.

“It is unacceptable that the Cuban government has denied these rights for decades and continues to do so today.

“President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s inflammatory rhetoric of ‘war’ and confrontation creates an atmosphere of violence against those who demand accountability and the free enjoyment of their human rights.

“The government must address the social demands of its citizens, given the economic crisis, the shortages of food and medicine, the collapse of the health system and the lack of response to the COVID-19 crisis.”