On Monday, thousands of people demonstrated against the Cuban government, with more gatherings conducted outside the country than on the island.
Demonstrators in the United States, Spain, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic went to the streets with signs demanding freedom and democracy, as well as the release of hundreds of those arrested in July during the island's major anti-government rallies.
On the island, some activists expressed their outrage on social media at being barred from leaving their houses to participate in the demonstrations by pro-government groups.
The director of Human Rights Watch's Americas division, Jose Miguel Vivanco, stated that the Cuban government had deployed security forces "on a massive scale."
"Numerous journalists and critics face assassination in their homes. Several have been arrested. "The intention is crystal clear: to put an end to any attempt at protest," he wrote on Twitter.
The event was initially scheduled for Nov. 20 but was moved to Nov. 15 when officials named the 20th a "National Defense Day," during which citizens practice for an invasion by the US. Even though Cuban authorities have prohibited the protest, organizers have decided to proceed with the demonstrations. The demonstrations took place as schools and crossings reopened to tourists following lengthy epidemic closures.
Bruno Rodriguez, Cuba's foreign minister, condemned the march call as "a botched operation."
"Today, we marked the resumption of the school year and the resumption of international tourists following pandemics and quarantines. Some individuals built additional expectations outside of Cuba, but they were left dressed for another party that never occurred because we Cubans do not want it, "'He stated.
Cuba has accused the US of arranging the demonstrations in an attempt to "destabilize" the country by "altering the Cuban people's peace and security."
The US has urged Cuba to permit peaceful demonstrations on the island.
"We call on the Cuban government to respect Cubans' rights, by allowing them to peacefully assemble and use their voices without fear of government reprisal or violence, and by keeping Internet and telecommunication lines open for the free exchange of information," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday.
On the other hand, Rodriguez stated on Twitter on Sunday that Cuba is willing to "defend the right" to "advance toward normalcy."
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned his followers on Friday that "We are prepared to defend the revolution."
