Is the Violent Repression Justified in Cuba?
Top figures of Cuban Culture Alarmed  Government supporters attacking peaceful demonstrators, answer the call to battle made by President Diaz-Canel. Photo: AFP  By Circles Robinson  HAVANA TIMES  The protests that startled all of Cuba on July 11th have led to numerous pronouncements both in favor and opposed to the fierce government repression of peaceful demonstrators. In the official media, the protestors are either mercenaries and counterrevolutionaries paid by the United States or at best confused by those on the payroll. There is a constant barrage on TV and other media trying to convince the population at home and public opinion abroad, that there is no homegrown reason to protest against a caring Communist Party government and its dedicated leaders. Some statements from official media reports include:  Provocations orchestrated by counterrevolutionary elements, organized and financed by the United States to destabilize our country.  Members of the Partys highest leadership body discussed the exemplary response of the Cuban people to comrade Daz-Canels call to defend the Revolution in the streets, making possible the defeat of these subversive actions.  Enemies of the Revolution want to take advantage of our problems to apply the social unrest formula they have used in other countries; but with Cuba there are no formulas that work.  We are here because the streets belong to Fidel, because the streets of Cuba belong to revolutionaries.  Fidel, Raul and Daz-Canel are here, Patria o Muerte, Venceremos (Homeland or Death, We will win).  Fidel, this is your people, and the streets belong to the people. The order has been given and we are here. We are going to win, in spite of COVID-19, in spite of whatever.  The quarrel was tough here, but there were more revolutionaries. The saboteurs ran away to hide, probably to some cave, like rats usually do. Let no one doubt it, this country belongs to the people, and will continue to belong to us.  Additionally, there were numerous references to the US embargo (called a blockade by the Cuban government and supporters) as the main reason for Cubas economic crisis and the governments failure to meet the most basic needs of the population. Acclaimed artists speak out  Statements from acclaimed artists who had for the most part been acritical or timid on government policies were assembled by Diario de Cuba. These included:  Jazz pianist Chucho Valdes: It hurts a lot to see the inhumane conditions people are living in. Enough of the deceit and lies. Humanitarian aid is urgently needed.  Guitarrist and Composer Leo Brower: What pain, how sad to see such an abuse of power! I never imagined seeing Cubas law enforcement attacking other ordinary and peaceful Cuban people. He added: When the Cuban people protest, there is no doubt that the politics, or better said, the political and military power, have gone too far! How can they live tranquilly?, after caring out such repression. Painter Lzaro Saavedra was so abhorred by the repression that he said he would no longer exhibit his works in State cultural institutions. I just watched this video. I repeated it several times. Since yesterday, July 11th, they cut Internet and data trying to keep the live videos from circulating. I have seen some horrendous things, its too much, referring to the police brutality. There is no justification for this excessive use of force against civilians and much less the intervention of special forces. I wont be showing anymore at State institutions, and I just cancelled my upcoming personal exposition with the work of my two children. Instead, Ill do it at my house, said Saavedra. Singer Haydee Milanes said the Cuban government has the obligation to listen to the population. Its unacceptable that the authorities are calling for a clash among Cubans. Enough now of the violence!  Singer Aymee Nuviola expressed her solidarity with the protestors. Cuba belongs to all Cubans. They are not mercenaries as the government says, they are a desperate people that ask for a change, and which has reached a breaking point. We are not confused; we are clearer than ever. This isnt the land Marti dreamed of nor is it the one I want for my daughters. Im a peoples artist and everything I have I owe it to the people, and this is my moment to be on the side of the people. Long Live a Free Cuba, he added. Musician Cucurucho Valdes stated: I am with my people, with those ordinary people who want to be listened to and went out to express themselves, despite not knowing what would happen to them the following day! These are real men and women. Respect for our right to speak out, enough of the beatings.  Diario de Cuba notes that at least 150 persons were arrested around the country after the protests, although that data and the whereabouts of the detained is still being gathered by the activists. Read more from Cuba here on Havana Times.