Cuban dissidents attempting to mark Human Rights Day with a silent march through Havana on Thursday came up against angry crowds chanting pro-government slogans.
Government supporters screaming insults broke up two small marches - one by "Ladies in White", made up of mothers and wives of political prisoners - and also targeted a British diplomat who was monitoring events, surrounding and banging on his car.
Plainclothes police stepped in to protect him.
The authorities call these counter-demonstrations spontaneous outbursts by concerned citizens defending the Cuban revolution.
Critics say they are organised mobs aimed at intimidating any opposition.
