While the protests continue in Cuba, family members cannot communicate with them through online messaging apps or social media due to government control.
Protests continue in Cuba because of the worsening economic crisis. President Biden called on the island nation’s government “to refrain from violence or attempts to silence the voice of the Cuban people”.
The island nation’s leader, President Miguel Diaz-Canel, blamed the US trade embargo for the economic turmoil.
CBS News reports that the Biden administration will review its policies towards the communist nation, including whether to relax or maintain economic sanctions.
A Columbus family has seen voices silenced since the protests began.
Lourdes Barroso de Padilla contacted the family through social media and online messaging apps but received no response.
“What happens in Cuba really happens not only in this country, but all over the world, right? All of these problems were problems that we had long before this pandemic, ”said Barroso de Padilla. “The challenges of taking oppressed people and suppressing them even further, something will happen at some point.”
Protests against the communist government are sparked by food shortages, rising prices and the government’s response to rising Covid infections.
Her mother, Maida Barroso, moved to the United States when she was 30. She lived part of her life in Cuba while the country was under Prime Minister Fidel Castro.
Barroso says she’s seen protests before, but never like this.
“It surprised me because now people aren’t afraid to talk,” said Barroso. “They do that before, before you would never see these people again.”
“The singing that impressed me the most was when people were singing, we are not afraid,” said Barroso de Padilla. “And that’s what keeps people in check, fear. Fear of losing your freedom, your livelihood, even your life. “
