“Save Cuba” — Ordinary Cubans Share Videos of Their Protests and Prayers With Resistance Groups

HAVANA & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In spite of record electricity outages and its worst fuel shortage in years, the Cuban people are speaking out with the boldest protests seen on the island since the historic events of July 11, 2021. Despite limited internet access and the authoritarian Cuban regime’s speech restrictions, the Cuban people are sharing their increasingly defiant and unequivocal calls for freedom by sending video messages to allies on and off the island.

The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a coalition of groups and persons advocating for change in Cuba, is sharing these videos and stories of Cubans protesting the communist regime and calling for its removal. Working closely with its members and allies on the island, the Assembly has received more than 100 messages of Cubans giving testimony, taking to the streets and gathering in prayer.

“The videos keep flowing out of Cuba, and they’re revealing the truth about what’s happening on our island,” says Maria Lima, Human Rights Delegate with the Cuban Democratic Directorate. “The tyranny is finally unravelling. Everyone is ready for change, and I believe the regime is ready too. They see the writing is on the wall.”

Since the start of the new year, the protests have been continuous, diverse and widespread, including a recent call to prayer from civic and religious leaders. Under the cry “Save Cuba,” Cubans have responded in large numbers, many of them recording their prayers to share with the world. Graffiti with words like “Down with communism,” “Freedom” and “Communist assassins” are popping up in cities across the island.

“We have passed the tipping point,” says Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate and a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance. “Yet we remain peaceful in our approach and will continue to do so. But peaceful doesn’t mean weak. The show of strength we’re now seeing is unbreakable, and we believe, will not be dismantled without the change it demands.”

Radio República, a partner of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, is posting videos sent from pot-clanging grandmothers, organized student groups and prayerful political prisoners. In one video, Rafael Rodriguez, a member of the Opposition Movement for a New Republic (MONR), says, “We want a change for Cuba. Down with the dictatorship! We are going to Save Cuba!” Link to video: youtube.com/shorts/WD778JSXrNk?

In another, former political prisoners pray, “We hope that God blesses all of us who participate in the ‘Save Cuba’ campaign and that He frees this island from tyranny and saves all the political prisoners. Amen.” Link to video: youtu.be/6UZT0Q1yqE4

To see more, visit youtube.com/@RadioRepublicaCuba.