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Cuba's security forces arrest dozens of people who joined protests against the Communist government

The BBC reported that media and opposition sources say dozens of people have been arrested in Cuba after thousands joined the biggest protests for decades against the island's Communist government.
Cubans have been angered by the collapse of the economy, food and medicine shortages, price hikes and the government's handling of Covid-19.
The protests are significant as critics face harsh punishment for dissent.
However, the island's president called for his supporters to "fight" the protesters.
The BBC Mundo reported that one of those at Sunday's protests, named only as Alejandro said "There is no food, no medicine, there is no freedom. They do not let us live."
Protesters shouted "freedom" and "down with the dictatorship" in demonstrations across Cuba, including the capital Havana.
According to the BBC, unnamed protester in San Antonio told the news agency that "We are not afraid. We want change, we do not want any more dictatorship."
The BBC reported, citing Reuters as saying that anti-government protesters were arrested by security forces who were assisted by plain clothes officers. Images on social media showed what appeared to be security forces detaining, beating and pepper-spraying some of the protesters.
There were reports of internet blackouts across the island and a photographer with Associated Press was injured after a confrontation with security forces.
In response to the rare unrest, President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation in a TV broadcast and blamed the US for the turmoil. He called its tight sanctions on Cuba - which have been in place in various forms since 1962 - a "policy of economic suffocation".
Mr Díaz-Canel said the protesters were mercenaries hired by the US to destabilise the country, and called for his supporters to go out and defend the revolution - referring to the 1959 uprising which ushered in Communist rule.
He announced "the order to fight has been given - into the street, revolutionaries!"
The top US diplomat for Latin America, Julie Chung, tweeted: "We are deeply concerned by 'calls to combat' in Cuba."
The US - which has a decades-old history of hostilities with Cuba - has said it stands with Cubans, and called on those in government to refrain from violence and listen to its people.
"The Cuban people are bravely asserting fundamental and universal rights," US President Joe Biden said in a statement.
But Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pledged "all support" to the Cuban president and the island's "revolutionary government". Mr Maduro's government is a close ally of Cuba's.
And Mexico and Russia both said no other country should interfere in Cuba's internal affairs.
Source: BBC
Image source: Getty Images-BBC
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Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”
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