State-aligned Cuban TV host cautions against 'repression' of protests

In a country where dissent is quashed, the "Con filo" (cutting edge) program urged "public servants" to instead negotiate with Cubans protesting disruptive power cuts.

Authorities should "talk with the people, with transparency and sensitivity, without fear or reluctance," host Michel Torres said late Thursday, calling for "zero repression and much dialogue."

While protests are rare in Cuba, dozens of demonstrations have been held in recent weeks -- almost daily -- against blackouts that can last for as long as 12 hours.

The cuts are caused by electricity production failures and maintenance work on thermoelectric plants.

Some 1,300 people were arrested after spontaneous and unprecedented protests broke out countrywide in July 2021 against poverty and a lack of civil liberties in the one-party state.

Hundreds of those detained, including minors, have since been given sometimes lengthy jail sentences for crimes such as "public disorder," "contempt" or "sedition."