Largest Protests in Decades Occur in Cuba

Thousands of Cubans have joined the largest protests in decades in the country. According to BBC News, a wave of protests has erupted against the country's Communist Party.

Citizens are holding demonstrations in several cities, including the capital Havana. The protests are accompanied by chants of "End the dictatorship." Reports indicate that security forces are arresting and beating demonstrators.

The public outcry has been fueled by the economic downturn, restrictions on civil liberties, and the government's handling of the pandemic. Protesters are demanding a faster vaccination rollout as Cuba reports record high coronavirus infection rates, with nearly 7,000 cases recorded daily. On Sunday, 47 deaths were reported.

Cuba experienced an 11% economic decline last year. In response to the ongoing protests, President Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed that they are a provocation by mercenaries sent by the United States to destabilize the country.