Cuba Faces Power Outages and Protests in Wake of Hurricane Rafael

Cuba grapples with large-scale power outages due to Hurricane Rafael, leading to public unrest and protests. Authorities have detained individuals on charges of disorder and vandalism as restoration efforts continue. Legal restrictions on protests remain ambiguous, despite constitutional rights to assemble being granted in 2019.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, Cuban authorities are taking a hard stance against public disorder as emergency workers labor tirelessly to clear debris and restore power throughout western Cuba. Four days after the storm's passage, significant portions of the island remain in darkness, leading to scattered protests and societal tension.

The Cuban government has pressed charges and detained individuals in provinces like Havana and Ciego de Avila for deeds classified as assault, public disorder, and vandalism. This crackdown has sparked controversy, contrasting starkly with the collaborative efforts of those aiding in the national recovery.

Despite progress, with over 85% of Havana's power reinstated, social media updates reveal ongoing unrest in certain areas. Continued rolling blackouts are tied to outdated energy infrastructure, exacerbating public dissatisfaction and testing the resilience of a nation where protests are typically uncommon.

(With inputs from agencies.)