At least 100 people have been arrested and one person killed in extraordinary demonstrations on the island.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called on Cuba to release protesters and journalists arrested during protests in the Caribbean, and to criticize security forces.
In his remarks on Friday, five days later The protesters began marching through the streets amid the turmoil due to a lack of basic necessities, a ban on human rights and the way the government is dealing with COVID-19, Bachelet challenged the government’s response.
One person has been killed and at least 100 people have been arrested since major protests began on Sunday.
“The biggest concern is that these people include people who are said to be detained and people whose whereabouts are unknown,” Bachelet said. “All those arrested for exercising their rights should be released promptly.”
Bachelet called for an “independent, transparent, effective investigation” into the death and for those who should be tried.
He also urged Cuban officials to ensure that the internet is restored after being cut off a few days this week. Video access and text messaging have also been banned from demonstrations.
As Cuban leaders say the violence has been fueled – and supported – by the United States, which has accused it of using the media to tackle the US crisis, President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Wednesday the first time he agreed that the weaknesses of the government have also helped.
He further added that the government should “analyze our problems so that we can take action and address them, and avoid their repetition”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced on Wednesday that the government would remove fines and restrictions on food, medicine and other necessities for those attending the event, with the consent of the opposition.
