Despite threats from the regime, Cuban protestors plan to march on November 15

On November 15, some Cubans are planning to demonstrate in support of democracy, human rights, the release of political prisoners and political freedom on the island.

The protests are organized by the group Archipiélago, led by Cuban playwright Yunior Garcia. Thousands of Cubans and members of the Cuban diaspora plan to join the protests, which are called N15 after the date they will take place.

Originally planned for November 20, Archipiélago changed the date of the demonstration to November 15 due to the regime’s decision to rename November 20 as “National Defense Day” and mobilize military and paramilitary troops starting November 18.

The Communist Party of Cuba has banned the protests, arguing that they are an attempt by the US to overthrow the Cuban government.

Cuba’s Communist Party Secretary of Ideology, Rogelio Polanco, accused the US government on October 26 of promoting and organizing the N15 protests.

“The public statements of the promoters and their ties with subversive organizations or agencies financed by the U.S. government intend to promote a change in Cuba’s political system, they claim the 15N march to be a move similar to the strategy the U.S. has used in other countries to change a regime,” Polanco said.

The Communist Party has issued threats to all of those who plan to participate in the protests. The Cuban Prosecutor’s Office said that anyone who plans to protest will be charged with “inciting crime.” The Cuban regime already started cracking down on promoters of the protests.

In July of this year, Cuba saw the largest mass demonstrations in three decades. Thousands of Cubans spontaneously took to the streets to demand freedom and political change in a series of highly energized protests that resulted in one death, hundreds of arrests and prison sentences.

“I want a total change: a change of government, multiparty elections, and the end of communism,” said one of the July protestors.

As a result, Cuban special forces beat demonstrators and imprisoned hundreds, several of who remain in prison today. Washington responded by imposing new sanctions.

Over 120 cities worldwide will join in solidarity with Cuba on November 13, 14 and 15. Activist Yan Estrada created a map providing protest times and locations of all of the marches.