HAVANA & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 12, 2026--
In spite of record electricity outages and its worst fuel shortage in years, the Cuban people are speaking out with the boldest protests seen on the island since the historic events of July 11, 2021. Despite limited internet access and the authoritarian Cuban regime’s speech restrictions, the Cuban people are sharing their increasingly defiant and unequivocal calls for freedom by sending video messages to allies on and off the island.
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The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, a coalition of groups and persons advocating for change in Cuba, is sharing these videos and stories of Cubans protesting the communist regime and calling for its removal. Working closely with its members and allies on the island, the Assembly has received more than 100 messages of Cubans giving testimony, taking to the streets and gathering in prayer.
“The videos keep flowing out of Cuba, and they’re revealing the truth about what’s happening on our island,” says Maria Lima, Human Rights Delegate with the Cuban Democratic Directorate. “The tyranny is finally unravelling. Everyone is ready for change, and I believe the regime is ready too. They see the writing is on the wall.”
Since the start of the new year, the protests have been continuous, diverse and widespread, including a recent call to prayer from civic and religious leaders. Under the cry “Save Cuba,” Cubans have responded in large numbers, many of them recording their prayers to share with the world. Graffiti with words like “Down with communism,” “Freedom” and “Communist assassins” are popping up in cities across the island.
“We have passed the tipping point,” says Orlando Gutierrez-Boronat, spokesperson for the Cuban Democratic Directorate and a member of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance. “Yet we remain peaceful in our approach and will continue to do so. But peaceful doesn’t mean weak. The show of strength we’re now seeing is unbreakable, and we believe, will not be dismantled without the change it demands.”
Radio República, a partner of the Assembly of the Cuban Resistance, is posting videos sent from pot-clanging grandmothers, organized student groups and prayerful political prisoners. In one video, Rafael Rodriguez, a member of the Opposition Movement for a New Republic (MONR), says, “We want a change for Cuba. Down with the dictatorship! We are going to Save Cuba!” Link to video: youtube.com/shorts/WD778JSXrNk?
In another, former political prisoners pray, “We hope that God blesses all of us who participate in the ‘Save Cuba’ campaign and that He frees this island from tyranny and saves all the political prisoners. Amen.” Link to video: youtu.be/6UZT0Q1yqE4
To see more, visit youtube.com/@RadioRepublicaCuba.
The Assembly of the Cuban Resistance has received more than 100 videos of Cubans from all walks of life joining forces to pray and protest publicly, asking for the continued support of civil society organizations in a common quest for a swift and peaceful transition to democratic rule and greater freedoms for all of its citizens.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic doesn't need an excuse to pile on points, so when Chicago guard Matas Buzelis started jawing with him Thursday night, it became the fuel for his first 50-point game with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doncic turned what he called unprovoked trash talk from Buzelis into 51 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the Lakers’ 142-130 victory.
“It always feels special,” Doncic said after his eighth career 50-point game. “I obviously haven’t had a 50-point game in a year, so it was very special. I mean, in the second quarter, I kind of felt it. You know, somebody started talking to me, so that woke me up.”
Doncic would not disclose what was said by Buzelis, a second-year forward, because, “I would say that I would definitely get a tech.”
It wasn’t like Doncic needed any extra inspiration, either. The NBA scoring leader got off to a strong start with 12 points in the first quarter and had another 12 in the second by making 5 of 6 shots from the field once Buzelis decided to get garrulous.
Doncic ripped off 17 points in the third quarter before notching 10 points on just four field goal attempts in the fourth. He finished 17 of 31 from the field, going 9 of 14 from 3, and 8 for 9 on free throws.
Lakers coach JJ Redick described Doncic’s ability to direct the unsporting words or deeds of opponents into his own game as a “unique trait.
“It’s not just the fact that he response to a rough play or trash talking, it’s that he can channel it, and he can channel it while still doing all the other things that needs to be done,” Redick said. “That’s obviously reflective of, you know, his defensive rebounding, his assists, his steals. Again, another game where he gets a high assist number with low turnovers.”
Buzelis picked an especially bad time to challenge Doncic, who had averaged 39.5 points per game during the Lakers’ previous three wins with LeBron James out because of right hip contusion and arthritis in his left foot. That included Doncic scoring 44 points against Indiana on Friday.
Doncic has 13 40-point games in 82 regular-season appearances for Los Angeles, moving into ninth in franchise history. Eleven of those have come this season.
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket against Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) and Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Jalen Smith, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
