Havana mothers arrested after power outage protests in El Fanguito

On July 29, residents of the El Fanguito neighbourhood in Havana blocked Avenida 23 to demand the restoration of electricity, water and gas after more than 24 hours without services. The blockade, involving dozens of people including children, prompted a quick repair by a utility worker, which restored power to the area.

Hours later, State Security officers detained two mothers at the Zapata and C police station. One of the women was identified as María Yilian Franco Díaz, who was taken to the station with her four‑year‑old son, José Luis Navarro. The arrests were documented and shared on social media by exiled rapper and activist Eliécer Márquez Duany, known as “El Funky.” In a recorded warning, a State Security agent threatened residents that anyone publishing images of the arrests could be identified and prosecuted.

The incident highlights continued repression of civic dissent in Cuba following recent public protests over essential services.