UN rights chief calls on Cuba to release protesters | Protests News

In rare demonstrations in the island nation, at least 100 people were arrested and one person was killed.

United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has called on Cuba to release protesters and several journalists arrested during days of infrequent demonstrations in the Caribbean country and condemns the use of excessive force by security personnel.

In a statement Friday five days after protesters took to the streets for the first time amid riots over the lack of basic goods, restrictions on civil liberties and the government’s handling of COVID-19, Bachelet condemned the government’s response.

One person has died since the massive protests began on Sunday and at least 100 people have been reportedly arrested.

“It is particularly worrying that this includes people who are allegedly detained without contact with the outside world and people whose whereabouts are unknown,” Bachelet said in a statement. “All persons arrested for exercising their rights must be released immediately.”

Bachelet called for an “independent, transparent, effective” investigation into death and those responsible to be held accountable.

She also urged the Cuban authorities to ensure that internet access is fully restored after being disrupted for several days earlier this week. Access to social media and messaging services was also restricted during the protests.

While Cuban leaders said the riot was fueled – and funded – by the United States, which it accused of using social media to exploit the hardship caused by US sanctions, President Miguel Diaz-Canel admitted for the first time on Wednesday one that government deficiencies also played a role.

He said the government must “conduct a critical analysis of our problems in order to act and overcome and avoid their recurrence”.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced on Wednesday that the government would lift customs duties and size restrictions on food, medicines and other essential items for travelers entering customs, as a small, obvious concession to protesters.