Cuba: Activists plan demonstrations in multiple provinces Nov. 15

Event

Pro-democracy activists associated with the dissident group Archipelago have organized demonstrations in at least eight provinces across Cuba Nov. 15 at 14:00, as part of a nationwide Civic March for Change. Known provinces include La Habana, Pinar del Rio, Guantanamo, Holguin, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Camaguey, and Las Tunas. However, the extent of the actual demonstrations will not be known until the day itself, as demonstrators in other provinces not explicitly named may opt to participate in the day's planned unrest. The marches will last approximately three hours and attendance at the events is expected to be in the thousands, although these are estimates provided by event organizers. Specific locations are as follows:

• Havana, La Habana Province: Corner of the Malecon and Prado de Marti to Capitol Building, 14:00

• Santa Clara, Villa Clara Province: Train Station Park to Loma del Calpiro, 14:00

• Nuevitas, Camaguey Province: Plaza 26 de Julio to Salvador Cisneros Betancourt Park, 14:00

• Camaguey, Camaguey Province: Agramonte Park to Plaza Joaquin de Aguero, 14:00

• Guantanamo, Guantanamo Province: Corner of Flor Crombet and Oriente Streets to Plaza Mariana Grajales, 14:00

• Cienfuegos, Cienfuegos Province: Corner of La Calzada and Gloria Street (49th Street) to Jose Marti Park, 14:00

• Holguin, Holguin Province: Staircase of Loma de la Cruz Park to Jose Marti Park, 14:00

• Pinar del Rio, Pinar del Rio Province: Museum of Science to Independence Park, 14:00

• Las Tunas, Las Tunas Province: Plaza de la Revolucion to Plaza Cultural, 14:00

Transport and telecommunications disruptions are possible throughout the country, and particularly in cities experiencing protests, through at least the evening of Nov. 15. Security forces are expected to deploy to all protest locations explicitly mentioned above. Clashes between protesters and police are likely, especially if police attempt to forcibly disperse demonstrators. Mass arrests are also possible, similar to the events of July 11.

Context

The demonstrations represent an attempt to rebuild momentum following the island nation's historic anti-government protests July 11. Those demonstrations took place across Cuba but were quickly repressed by security forces. Event organizers expect a similar response to the upcoming demonstrations, particularly given that they have already notified the government of their plans. Protester demands include the release of political prisoners, the guaranteeing of basic civil liberties, and democratic governance within Cuba.

Government officials have refused to authorize the Nov. 15 demonstrations and claim that the participants have links to subversive groups funded by the US government. Event organizers with Archipelago have, however, denied the allegations, and argue their right to peaceful protest is protected under the Cuban constitution and stating they have explicitly vowed not to accept aid from foreign elements.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Prepare for telecommunications and transport disruptions around protest sites and potentially nationwide; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent affected areas.