Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts.

The island nation’s foreign ministry summoned US ambassador Benjamin Ziff after Washington made remarks on the protests on Sunday (Mar 17).&nbsp;

<h2>US ambassador summoned</h2>

Cuba’s foreign ministry on Monday (Mar 18) said it had summoned Ziff and accused the US embassy in Havana of seeking to stoke a broader anti-government uprising.&nbsp;

Late Sunday, the US&nbsp;had said it was monitoring the protests and called on the Cuban government to “respect the human rights of the protesters and address the legitimate needs of the Cuban people.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cubans-stage-rare-power-and-food-protest-amid-blackouts-lack-of-essentials-701287">Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials</a>

In response, Cuba’s foreign ministry called US charge d’affaires Ziff to a meeting with deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, “who formally conveyed his firm rejection of the government’s interventionist behavior and slanderous messages,” said the ministry.&nbsp;

Fernández de Cossío, speaking to The Associated Press, called the comments “disrespectful“ and an “open interference” in the country’s domestic affairs.&nbsp;

He also repeated the communist government’s long-standing accusation, blaming the US and its nearly six-and-a-half-decade-long embargo and sanctions against the island for the issues faced by its citizens.&nbsp;

The US State Department spokesperson&nbsp;said it was “absurd” to suggest Washington was behind the protests.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to X and seemingly pointed a finger at the US and said that despite its “interventionist messages and calls for chaos” it was unsuccessful.&nbsp;

“Mediocre politicians and networked terrorists lined up from South Florida to heat up the streets of #Cuba with interventionist messages and calls for chaos. They were left wanting,” said Diaz-Canel.&nbsp;

<h2>Cuba is witnessing rare protests. What's the issue?</h2>

The protest which took place late Sunday was a rare public show of discontent against Cuba’s communist government and was reportedly led by parents struggling to feed their children amid acute food shortages.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-rules-out-support-for-israels-rafah-assault-plan-amid-gaza-truce-talks-701657">US rules out support for Israel PM Netayahu's Rafah assault plan amid Gaza truce talks</a>

The protests erupted in at least five locations across the island and reportedly started when mothers showed up at a government building and said they could not provide food for their children.&nbsp;

Cuba is facing one of its worst economic and energy crises in years, with power cuts of up to 18 hours a day.

With summer approaching, it is reportedly becoming difficult to preserve what little food people have.&nbsp;

The Caribbean island nation appeared quiet on Monday, reported Reuters news agency, while the government said that it expects the blackouts to continue through the week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts.

Cuba has accused the United States of stoking a protest where hundreds of people took to the streets across the island as well as the second-largest city Santiago in a rare public demonstration amid food shortages and blackouts. The island nation’s foreign ministry summoned US ambassador Benjamin Ziff after Washington made remarks on the protests on Sunday (Mar 17). US ambassador summoned Cuba’s foreign ministry on Monday (Mar 18) said it had summoned Ziff and accused the US embassy in Havana of seeking to stoke a broader anti-government uprising. Late Sunday, the US had said it was monitoring the protests and called on the Cuban government to “respect the human rights of the protesters and address the legitimate needs of the Cuban people.” Also Read | Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials In response, Cuba’s foreign ministry called US charge d’affaires Ziff to a meeting with deputy foreign minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío, “who formally conveyed his firm rejection of the government’s interventionist behavior and slanderous messages,” said the ministry. Fernández de Cossío, speaking to The Associated Press, called the comments “disrespectful“ and an “open interference” in the country’s domestic affairs. He also repeated the communist government’s long-standing accusation, blaming the US and its nearly six-and-a-half-decade-long embargo and sanctions against the island for the issues faced by its citizens. The US State Department spokesperson said it was “absurd” to suggest Washington was behind the protests. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel took to X and seemingly pointed a finger at the US and said that despite its “interventionist messages and calls for chaos” it was unsuccessful. “Mediocre politicians and networked terrorists lined up from South Florida to heat up the streets of #Cuba with interventionist messages and calls for chaos. They were left wanting,” said Diaz-Canel. Cuba is witnessing rare protests. What's the issue? The protest which took place late Sunday was a rare public show of discontent against Cuba’s communist government and was reportedly led by parents struggling to feed their children amid acute food shortages. Also Read | US rules out support for Israel PM Netayahu's Rafah assault plan amid Gaza truce talks The protests erupted in at least five locations across the island and reportedly started when mothers showed up at a government building and said they could not provide food for their children. Cuba is facing one of its worst economic and energy crises in years, with power cuts of up to 18 hours a day. With summer approaching, it is reportedly becoming difficult to preserve what little food people have. The Caribbean island nation appeared quiet on Monday, reported Reuters news agency, while the government said that it expects the blackouts to continue through the week. (With inputs from agencies)

Cuba accuses US of stoking protests amid blackouts and food shortages, summons top diplomat

Hundreds in&nbsp;Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and&nbsp;Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace."

Protesters in Santiago chanted "power and food," according to videos posted on social media, as blackouts across much of the island's provinces extended for 18 hours or more a day.

Tensions have soared in recent weeks on the Communist-run Caribbean island as food, fuel and medicine shortages have also grown more acute.

Watch:&nbsp;Cuba: Strong waves flood streets, disrupt power supply

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cuba-strong-waves-flood-streets-disrupt-power-supply-687798/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Diaz-Canel confirmed the protest on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Several people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation of electrical service and food distribution," Diaz-Canel said. "The disposition of the authorities of the Party, the State and the Government is to attend to the complaints of our people, listen, dialogue, explain the numerous efforts that are being carried out to improve the situation, always in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjLpK3-6vyEAxVVxjgGHWDTBF8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-condemns-us-embargo-on-cuba-calls-it-illegal-636795" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-condemns-us-embargo-on-cuba-calls-it-illegal-636795&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLpK3-6vyEAxVVxjgGHWDTBF8QxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Brazil’s President Lula condemns US embargo on Cuba, calls it ‘illegal’</a>

Diaz-Canel also said "terrorists" from the United States were seeking to foment further uprisings.

"This context will be taken advantage of by the enemies of the Revolution, for destabilizing purposes," Diaz-Canel said on X.

Police had arrived in Santiago to "prevent violence," according to an account posted on social media by state-run&nbsp;CubaDebate.

Protests in&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;are exceedingly rare but have cropped up more often in recent years as economic crisis racks the island.

Although the country's 2019 constitution grants&nbsp;Cubans the right to protest, a law more specifically defining that right is stalled in the legislature.

Rights groups, the European Union and the United States have critiqued&nbsp;Cuba's response to protests on July 11, 2021 - the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution - as heavy-handed and repressive.

Cuba's government said those jailed were guilty of assault, vandalism and sedition.

Hundreds in Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

Hundreds in Cuba's second-largest city, Santiago, took to the streets late Sunday in a rare public protest, according to social media and official reports, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel called for an "atmosphere of tranquility and peace." Protesters in Santiago chanted "power and food," according to videos posted on social media, as blackouts across much of the island's provinces extended for 18 hours or more a day. Tensions have soared in recent weeks on the Communist-run Caribbean island as food, fuel and medicine shortages have also grown more acute. Watch: Cuba: Strong waves flood streets, disrupt power supply × Diaz-Canel confirmed the protest on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Several people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation of electrical service and food distribution," Diaz-Canel said. "The disposition of the authorities of the Party, the State and the Government is to attend to the complaints of our people, listen, dialogue, explain the numerous efforts that are being carried out to improve the situation, always in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace." Also read: Brazil’s President Lula condemns US embargo on Cuba, calls it ‘illegal’ Diaz-Canel also said "terrorists" from the United States were seeking to foment further uprisings. "This context will be taken advantage of by the enemies of the Revolution, for destabilizing purposes," Diaz-Canel said on X. Police had arrived in Santiago to "prevent violence," according to an account posted on social media by state-run CubaDebate. Protests in Cuba are exceedingly rare but have cropped up more often in recent years as economic crisis racks the island. Although the country's 2019 constitution grants Cubans the right to protest, a law more specifically defining that right is stalled in the legislature. Rights groups, the European Union and the United States have critiqued Cuba's response to protests on July 11, 2021 - the largest since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution - as heavy-handed and repressive. Cuba's government said those jailed were guilty of assault, vandalism and sedition.

Cubans stage rare 'power and food' protest amid blackouts, lack of essentials

Earlier this month, Cubans gathered for the largest protests the island nation has seen since 1959. The demonstrations have been met with a brutal government crackdown.

Cuba protesters in Washington want Prez Biden to intervene

The United States imposed sanctions on a Cuban security minister and an interior ministry special forces unit for alleged human rights abuses in a crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this month.

US sanctions Cuban defence minister and interior ministry unit over protest crackdown

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

According to the Miami Herald, some denounced President Miguel Diaz-Canel, chanting "down with the dictatorship."

Diaz-Canel blamed the unrest on the United States in a speech to the country.&nbsp;

People screamed, "We are not frightened!" as they marched through the streets on Sunday, according to videos posted on social media. “Freedom! Freedom!” shouts the crowd.

Analysts believe the protests are uncommon in a country where dissidents are closely monitored by the police.&nbsp;

The island is facing one of its greatest socioeconomic crises since the Soviet Union collapsed as well as a rise of deadly coronavirus outbreaks.&nbsp;

Worsening conditions, such as the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a frightening scarcity of food, medication, and other necessities, are among the causes for the protests, which are among the greatest since the dictatorship began in the 1950s.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
From Cuba: Protestors in front of Communist Party Headquarters chanting "Cuba isn't yours!"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Gevvd0Sxb">pic.twitter.com/5Gevvd0Sxb</a>
— RiptideDash (@RiptideDash) <a href="https://twitter.com/RiptideDash/status/1414410403707297799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Many protesters attempted to broadcast the protest live on their phones, but Cuban officials cut down internet service for the whole day.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As a Cuban-American I’m inspired to see the courage shown by so many today in Cuba. Demonstrations of this magnitude are UNHEARD of in Cuba. The people of Cuba are tired of 60+ years of oppression, lies and hunger! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOSCuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOSCuba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PatriaYVida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PatriaYVida</a> <a href="https://t.co/sGIDDjeUwr">pic.twitter.com/sGIDDjeUwr</a>
— Kevin Marino Cabrera (@_KevinMarino) <a href="https://twitter.com/_KevinMarino/status/1414401360934539268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the American daily newspaper Miami Herald, videos live-streamed on Facebook showed thousands of people walking and riding bikes and motorcycles along streets while chanting “Freedom!” “Down with Communism!” and “Patria y Vida” -- Homeland and Life -- which has become a battle cry among activists after a viral music video turned the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death” on its head.

US warns Cuba against targeting protesters

On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a warning to Cuba about any targeting of those participating in the unprecedented protests against the Communist government.&nbsp;

"The US supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights," he said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The U.S. supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights. <a href="https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE">https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE</a>
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1414406415955996672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Miami Herald, some denounced President Miguel Diaz-Canel, chanting "down with the dictatorship." Diaz-Canel blamed the unrest on the United States in a speech to the country. People screamed, "We are not frightened!" as they marched through the streets on Sunday, according to videos posted on social media. “Freedom! Freedom!” shouts the crowd. Analysts believe the protests are uncommon in a country where dissidents are closely monitored by the police. The island is facing one of its greatest socioeconomic crises since the Soviet Union collapsed as well as a rise of deadly coronavirus outbreaks. Worsening conditions, such as the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a frightening scarcity of food, medication, and other necessities, are among the causes for the protests, which are among the greatest since the dictatorship began in the 1950s. From Cuba: Protestors in front of Communist Party Headquarters chanting "Cuba isn't yours!"#Cuba pic.twitter.com/5Gevvd0Sxb — RiptideDash (@RiptideDash) July 12, 2021 × Many protesters attempted to broadcast the protest live on their phones, but Cuban officials cut down internet service for the whole day. As a Cuban-American I’m inspired to see the courage shown by so many today in Cuba. Demonstrations of this magnitude are UNHEARD of in Cuba. The people of Cuba are tired of 60+ years of oppression, lies and hunger! #SOSCuba #PatriaYVida pic.twitter.com/sGIDDjeUwr — Kevin Marino Cabrera (@_KevinMarino) July 12, 2021 × According to the American daily newspaper Miami Herald, videos live-streamed on Facebook showed thousands of people walking and riding bikes and motorcycles along streets while chanting “Freedom!” “Down with Communism!” and “Patria y Vida” -- Homeland and Life -- which has become a battle cry among activists after a viral music video turned the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death” on its head. US warns Cuba against targeting protesters On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a warning to Cuba about any targeting of those participating in the unprecedented protests against the Communist government. "The US supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights," he said on Twitter. The U.S. supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights. https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) July 12, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. 
 
Thousands of Cubans joined demonstrations throughout the Communist-run country on Sunday to protest&nbsp;a deep economic crisis that has seen shortages of basic goods and power outages. They were also protesting the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties. 
 
Cuba`s government has said the demonstrations were orchestrated by counter-revolutionaries financed by old Cold War foe the United States, manipulating frustration with an economic crisis largely caused by the decades-old U.S. trade embargo. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-with-communism-cuban-protesters-demand-freedom-food-and-covid-19-vaccines-397504">Also read | 'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines</a> 
 
The protests, rare in a country where public dissent is tightly restricted, had largely ended by Sunday evening, as security forces were deployed to the streets and President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on government supporters to go out and fight to defend their revolution. 
 
But another protest flared late Monday in the southern Havana suburb of La Guinera, where one man died and several others, including members of the security forces, were hospitalized with injuries, according to state-run media on Tuesday. 
 
It did not say what caused the death. No other deaths and injuries have been officially confirmed so far. 
 
Hundreds had taken to streets in La Guinera, shouting slogans like `down with communism,` and `freedom for the people of Cuba,` according to two residents and video footage seen by Reuters. Some started throwing rocks at security forces who eventually responded with gunfire, said resident Waldo Herrera, 49. 
 
"I think the Communists have lost control, they won`t have a solution to this situation," he said. "The people are tired of so much humiliation, so much repression." 
 
A Reuters witness saw dozens of people carrying sticks departing La Guinera late on Monday. 
 
Activists say the government is using so-called rapid-reaction brigades - government-organized bands of civilian recruits - to counter protesters. 
 
They also accuse the government of trying to disrupt communications. Introduced just over two years ago, mobile internet has been a key factor behind the protests, giving Cubans more of a platform to express their frustrations and enabling the word to get out quickly when people are on the street. 
 
In the capital, there have been regular and atypical mobile internet outages since Sunday, according to Reuters witnesses. 
 
NetBlocks, based in London, said on its website that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram in Cuba were partially disrupted on Monday and Tuesday. 
 
"The pattern of restrictions observed in Cuba indicate an ongoing crackdown on messaging platforms used to organize and share news of protests in real-time," said NetBlocks director Alp Toker. "At the same time, some connectivity is preserved to maintain a semblance of normality." 
 
Asked whether the government was intentionally restricting internet connections, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told a news briefing the situation was "complicated." He said power outages could impact telecommunications services and "Cuba would never renounce the right to defend itself." 
 
Neither Telegram nor Facebook Inc, which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, immediately responded to a request for comment. Twitter Inc said it found no blocking of its service. 
 
"Our weapon is the internet. If they take away the internet we are unarmed," said Havana resident Gino Ocumares, as he tried but failed to connect to the web at a government Wi-Fi hotspot. "The government does not want people to see the truth." 
 
'PROVOCATIONS' 
 
The protest in La Guinera was spearheaded by "antisocial and criminal elements" that had tried to reach the police station with the aim of attacking its officials and damaging infrastructure, said The Cuban News Agency. 
 
When security forces stopped them, they vandalized homes, set containers on fire, and damaged the suburb`s electricity wiring, attacking officials with stones and other objects, the agency said. 
 
State-run media also reported on Tuesday that Raul Castro, who stepped down as head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party in April, attended a meeting on Sunday of the political bureau to address the "provocations." 
 
Diaz-Canel said in April he would continue to consult Castro on matters of utmost importance. 
 
Counter-rallies of government supporters have been taking place. Around 100 supporters carrying the Cuba flag gathered in the Vedado business district of Havana on Tuesday. 
 
The Cuban Bishops Conference said in a statement it was worried that the response to protests over legitimate concerns would be "immobilism" rather than an attempt to resolve them, and even a counterproductive hardening of positions. 
 
During or following the biggest wave of protests on Sunday, nearly 200 people were arrested, according to exiled rights group Cubalex, adding that only 19 had been confirmed released so far. 
 
"In the multiple interrogations, we made it clear that no one was directing us from abroad to take to the streets, that no one paid us a cent to do what we did," theater director Yunior Garcia, who was arrested at a protest in Havana on Sunday, wrote on his Facebook page. 
 
He said he was released on Monday but police officials told him he remained under investigation. 
 
Reaction to the protest in Latin America split along ideological lines, with Mexico`s president blaming the U.S. embargo for fomenting the unrest, while Chile and Peru urged the government to allow pro-democracy protests. 
 
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that the United States "stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights." 
 
State Department spokesman Ned Price called on the Havana government to open all means of communication, both online and offline. 
 
"Shutting down technology, shutting down information pathways - that does nothing to address the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Cuban people," Price told a news briefing on Tuesday.

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades.

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. Thousands of Cubans joined demonstrations throughout the Communist-run country on Sunday to protest a deep economic crisis that has seen shortages of basic goods and power outages. They were also protesting the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties. Cuba`s government has said the demonstrations were orchestrated by counter-revolutionaries financed by old Cold War foe the United States, manipulating frustration with an economic crisis largely caused by the decades-old U.S. trade embargo. Also read | 'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines The protests, rare in a country where public dissent is tightly restricted, had largely ended by Sunday evening, as security forces were deployed to the streets and President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on government supporters to go out and fight to defend their revolution. But another protest flared late Monday in the southern Havana suburb of La Guinera, where one man died and several others, including members of the security forces, were hospitalized with injuries, according to state-run media on Tuesday. It did not say what caused the death. No other deaths and injuries have been officially confirmed so far. Hundreds had taken to streets in La Guinera, shouting slogans like `down with communism,` and `freedom for the people of Cuba,` according to two residents and video footage seen by Reuters. Some started throwing rocks at security forces who eventually responded with gunfire, said resident Waldo Herrera, 49. "I think the Communists have lost control, they won`t have a solution to this situation," he said. "The people are tired of so much humiliation, so much repression." A Reuters witness saw dozens of people carrying sticks departing La Guinera late on Monday. Activists say the government is using so-called rapid-reaction brigades - government-organized bands of civilian recruits - to counter protesters. They also accuse the government of trying to disrupt communications. Introduced just over two years ago, mobile internet has been a key factor behind the protests, giving Cubans more of a platform to express their frustrations and enabling the word to get out quickly when people are on the street. In the capital, there have been regular and atypical mobile internet outages since Sunday, according to Reuters witnesses. NetBlocks, based in London, said on its website that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram in Cuba were partially disrupted on Monday and Tuesday. "The pattern of restrictions observed in Cuba indicate an ongoing crackdown on messaging platforms used to organize and share news of protests in real-time," said NetBlocks director Alp Toker. "At the same time, some connectivity is preserved to maintain a semblance of normality." Asked whether the government was intentionally restricting internet connections, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told a news briefing the situation was "complicated." He said power outages could impact telecommunications services and "Cuba would never renounce the right to defend itself." Neither Telegram nor Facebook Inc, which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, immediately responded to a request for comment. Twitter Inc said it found no blocking of its service. "Our weapon is the internet. If they take away the internet we are unarmed," said Havana resident Gino Ocumares, as he tried but failed to connect to the web at a government Wi-Fi hotspot. "The government does not want people to see the truth." 'PROVOCATIONS' The protest in La Guinera was spearheaded by "antisocial and criminal elements" that had tried to reach the police station with the aim of attacking its officials and damaging infrastructure, said The Cuban News Agency. When security forces stopped them, they vandalized homes, set containers on fire, and damaged the suburb`s electricity wiring, attacking officials with stones and other objects, the agency said. State-run media also reported on Tuesday that Raul Castro, who stepped down as head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party in April, attended a meeting on Sunday of the political bureau to address the "provocations." Diaz-Canel said in April he would continue to consult Castro on matters of utmost importance. Counter-rallies of government supporters have been taking place. Around 100 supporters carrying the Cuba flag gathered in the Vedado business district of Havana on Tuesday. The Cuban Bishops Conference said in a statement it was worried that the response to protests over legitimate concerns would be "immobilism" rather than an attempt to resolve them, and even a counterproductive hardening of positions. During or following the biggest wave of protests on Sunday, nearly 200 people were arrested, according to exiled rights group Cubalex, adding that only 19 had been confirmed released so far. "In the multiple interrogations, we made it clear that no one was directing us from abroad to take to the streets, that no one paid us a cent to do what we did," theater director Yunior Garcia, who was arrested at a protest in Havana on Sunday, wrote on his Facebook page. He said he was released on Monday but police officials told him he remained under investigation. Reaction to the protest in Latin America split along ideological lines, with Mexico`s president blaming the U.S. embargo for fomenting the unrest, while Chile and Peru urged the government to allow pro-democracy protests. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that the United States "stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights." State Department spokesman Ned Price called on the Havana government to open all means of communication, both online and offline. "Shutting down technology, shutting down information pathways - that does nothing to address the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Cuban people," Price told a news briefing on Tuesday.

Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says

cuba-protest

Cuba Protest, News on Cuba Protest, stories on Cuba Protest, articles on Cuba Protest, Cuba Protest stories at Wion, Cuba Protest news, Cuba Protest latest news