Harassment of activists and independent journalists since last week He already predicted that this Monday, the anniversary of the historic 11J demonstrations in Cuba, would be a day without disturbances. This is how it is, at least in Havana, where numerous agents, uniformed and civilian, are deployed through the streets of downtown. In their efforts to maintain order, the authorities have even done what seemed impossible: queues disappear.
“They haven’t got anything in neighborhood stores that always have queues, such as El Rapido, Cupet de Infanta or Maisí. It seems that they have chosen today to avoid queues for food,” a resident of Central Havana told this newspaper, surprised by the empty shops, the semi-deserted streets and the surveillance environment.
In the Maisí store, located on Calle Infanta, two other women commented that “they haven’t gotten anything because, you know, today they don’t want people on the street.” Nor did H. Upmann, on Zapata and Infanta, and Las Columnas, on Galiano, have any products for sale.
“They have not left a queue with shame in all of Havana, it is incredible,” exclaimed a boy also from Centro Habana
At the doors of all of them, yes, individuals with an inquisitive attitude were stationed, who clearly were not there to buy, since nothing was offered. “Today there are more police than people on the street,” a boy murmured when he saw them.
The police operation was especially visible on Carlos III street, full of officers. In the Plaza of the same name there was a business operating, with chicken and detergent for sale in pesos. On any other day, the line would have been massive; however, this Monday, there were only three people waiting.
“Here, here is the queue,” they responded to an old man who asked, surprised at the low turnout. “And why are there so few people?” continued the man. “They are only from the wineries that they have had to buy today,” they referred, by way of explanation.
On the door, a sign announced the distribution of warehouses of the Popular Council of Pueblo Nuevo, the only one that corresponds to the purchase in that place, as of June 22, without there being any modification to the regulations of last May 20 . Since then, purchases have been restricted. by municipalities and “cycles”, a controversial measure not only to distribute the scarce products but also to avoid crowds in the queues.
“They have not left a queue with shame in all of Havana, it’s incredible,” exclaimed a boy also from Central Havana who, in vain, looked for a store in national currency where to buy.
The strategic points of that neighborhood, one of the emblematic scenarios of the 11J demonstrations last year, were full of officers this Monday. One woman summed up the situation as she overtook a group of four Black Berets who were walking along San Rafael Boulevard: “Not a single fly flies here today.”
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