Tens of thousands of Cubans have gathered in Havana to protest the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela. The demonstration took place Friday at the "José Martí Anti-Imperialist" plaza across from the U.S. Embassy. The crowd demanded the release of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested by the U.S. on Jan. 3. Cuba's Foreign Ministry described the protest as a response to threats against peace and sovereignty. President Miguel Díaz-Canel attended the event. The protest follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent demands for Cuba to negotiate with him amid tightened sanctions and economic struggles.
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ and MILEXSY DURAN Associated Press
A small town in far eastern Cuba is recovering from flooding that killed at least six people after Hurricane Oscar crossed the island's eastern coast as a tropical storm with winds and heavy rain. Cuba's capital was partially illuminated Monday night after a massive blackout that has generated a handful of protests and a stern government warning that any unrest will be punished. President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on state television that rescue and recovery work continued in the town of San Antonio del Sur and officials have yet to enter some flooded areas. 'The country has completely halted,' says homemaker Mayde Quiñone. She cares for her mother-in-law, who is in her 80s. She says 'this hurts everyone, but the elderly most of all.'
By ANDREA RODRIGUEZ and MILEXSY DURAN Associated Press
Cuba's capital was largely paralyzed on Monday and the rest of the island was bracing for the fourth night of a massive blackout. That has generated both a handful of small protests and a stern government warning that any unrest will be punished. Hurricane Oscar was crossing the island's eastern coast with winds and heavy rain after a night that saw protests of several dozen people each in urban neighborhoods. The Cuban government has a low tolerance for civil disobedience and President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned on national television Sunday that 'we're not going to allow any vandalism, or let anyone disturb people's tranquility.'
