A woman who works as a custodian at the Hospital Infantil Norte Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira, known as "La Ondi," in Santiago de Cuba, was assaulted and injured by two young men, according to a report that emerged this Sunday.
In a preliminary report on Facebook, communicator Yosmany Mayeta also reported that the police did not arrive at the scene to investigate the incident, but instead directed the assaulted worker to file a statement at the police station.
"Two young men assaulted and injured a female guard at the ‘La Ondi’ Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, and the police will not take fingerprints. They told her to go and file the report herself," Mayeta stated in her post.
The communicator has not disclosed the identity of the victim or other details about the incident, which has sparked reactions from many individuals, some outraged and others concerned about the insecurity and social violence in the province and the country.
A healthcare worker reflected: "So... I ask, and if anyone reads my comment, please respond if I'm wrong. What safety do we have as staff working in any sector? Because there are many women in these positions... and for instance, health workers like me, who are at the mercy of anything, and if they no longer respect the security guards, we could be attacked, as has happened before, by drunk people bringing in the injured, by the relatives of the injured (...), or by anyone who breaks in to rob or commit another crime... that we have to carry weapons for self-defense because we can't allow ourselves to be killed, and from what I see, the police and Cuban laws are silent."
Another woman made an “urgent call” to the authorities “to take strong measures. There is no safety in this country.”
Many believe that crime is not a priority for the police or other authorities, who act swiftly and harshly against those who protest, assert their rights, or oppose the government.
At the end of November, there were also reports of thefts targeting patients and companions at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Children's Hospital, located in Santiago de Cuba.
The assault and aggression against a security guard occurred just weeks after the murders of two other guards who were on duty at their workplaces: the state-operated El Santiaguero agricultural market and the Café Continental restaurant; as well as an attack on a third guard at the El Acuario restaurant, who survived the assault.
Both crimes shocked the residents of Santiago de Cuba and exemplify the spiral of violence that has erupted in Cuban society in recent years.
On Thursday, authorities arrested the suspected perpetrator of the homicides, identified as Alex Recasén Suárez.
The detainee reportedly was released from prison about a year ago, but reoffended, committing burglary and the recent murders and assaults on three guards, according to information published by Mayeta.
The police investigation suggests that Recasén was not operating alone, and aims to determine whether the man is connected to other criminal activities in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Violence in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to the guard at the Northern Children’s Hospital in Santiago de Cuba?
A woman who worked as a custodian at the "Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira" North Children's Hospital was assaulted and injured by two young men. The police did not respond to the scene to investigate, but rather asked the victim to provide her statement at the police station.
What has been the community's response to this incident?
The community has responded with outrage and concern over the rising insecurity and violence in Santiago de Cuba. Many people believe that crime is not a priority for the police, who act swiftly in response to protests but not when crimes occur.
Are there any recent cases of violence in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, in recent weeks, several violent incidents have been reported, including the murders of two guards at their workplaces and an attack on a third. These crimes have shocked the residents and highlight a spiral of violence in the province.
What measures are the authorities taking to address crime in Santiago de Cuba?
So far, the authorities' response has been questioned by the public, who feel that not enough is being done to combat crime. The alleged perpetrator of the guards' murders has been arrested, but the sense of insecurity persists among the citizens.
How is the crisis in the healthcare system impacting security in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba?
The lack of security in hospitals is part of a broader crisis within the healthcare system, which includes infrastructure issues and a scarcity of resources. Both healthcare staff and patients are exposed to theft and violence due to insufficient security measures.
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