Calm streets during day marked for protest in Cuba

The streets of Havana remained calm on Monday as the 3pm hour came and went without crowds taking to the streets to protest against the government as members of an opposition group had asserted.

Playwright and anti-government activist Yunior García and his group Archipiélago had warned the government that they would march in Havana along a main avenue on Monday afternoon regardless of the authorities prohibiting the march.

Instead of protesters filling the streets of the capital, popular street parties were organized by the government in parks and plazas around the city to commemorate the 502 anniversary of Havana's founding.

Security remained strong and mostly visible with police on foot and patrol cars and motorcycles traversing the streets.

In September, the organizers' request for permission to carry out the march that was rejected by authorities for considering it illegal and unconstitutional because in their opinion, it goes against the precept that socialism is irrevocable, inscribed in the constitution itself.

The activists suggested people wear white clothing, hang white sheets and clap or bang cooking pots at 3pm in a show of protest, but nothing out of the ordinary was seen by the Associated Press who had several teams spread around Havana, including the areas where opposition leaders had said the march would take place.

Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, was interviewed live on social media by a young foreign ministry staffer on Monday afternoon.

Rodriguez mocked the protesters and opposition supporters in Washington, saying they were dressed up, but had nowhere to go while Cuba celebrated the founding anniversary.

"Some of my colleagues in Washington seem to have stayed dressed up for a party of theirs that has not happened," said Rodriguez.

On Sunday, García tried to walk alone in protest at the denial of permission for the protest on Monday, but was prevented by pro-government groups of neighbors and people who blocked the door to his apartment and his street.

Government operatives placed Cuban flags covering the windows of his second-floor apartment.

García remained home on Monday under the watchful eye of government supporters. His telephone and internet access remained interrupted.

Anti-government activists called for the protest to demand the release of prisoners, especially those who were detained in July in other protests, an expansion of human rights and a national dialogue.

IMAGE: AP