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A man armed with a knife attempted to break into the "Hermanos Mederos" Urban Secondary School (ESBU) in Cienfuegos after having assaulted a student.
According to a report this Wednesday from the page of Facebook "Las Cosas de Fernanda", affiliated with State Security, the incident occurred in the streets surrounding the school, when the individual, identified as Josué Alejo, was involved in a heated argument with a woman.
A group of ninth-grade students, who were in physical education class, witnessed the altercation.
Upon noticing the presence of the young people, the individual approached the school fence, began to insult them, and, in a moment of aggression, struck one of the students through the fence, causing minor injuries to the student’s face.
The minor immediately went to the school administration to report what had happened, after which the teaching staff came to his defense and saw how the aggressor was attempting to enter the educational institution with a sharp weapon.
In response to the threat, the director and several teachers stepped in front of him to prevent his entry while they contacted the police.
Minutes later, law enforcement arrived at the scene and arrested the individual, who now faces charges of threats, assault, disturbing the peace, offenses against the normal development of a minor, and carrying a blade in a public place.
In recent months, several incidents of violence have shaken Cuba, highlighting a concerning rise in crime across the country. In February 2025, a young man was arrested in Havana after being accused of brutally murdering his grandmother in the Afán neighborhood of San Miguel del Padrón. According to reports, the assailant allegedly committed the crime under the influence of synthetic drugs, which has sparked a debate about the increasing use of these substances on the island.
At the end of January, in Ciego de Ávila, a Cuban mother lost her life after being shot in the chest by her ex-partner during an argument. The case sparked outrage on social media, with calls to strengthen measures against gender violence, while authorities investigated the circumstances of the crime.
Another alarming incident occurred in Havana at the beginning of January, when a man was brutally beaten by residents of San Miguel del Padrón after being accused of attempting to sexually abuse a 13-year-old minor. The enraged mob nearly lynched him before the police intervened. Although the minor showed no signs of abuse, the case sparked an intense debate about vigilantism and the growing insecurity in Havana's neighborhoods.
That same month, in Santiago de Cuba, two cases of violence shook the community. A woman suffered a brutal assault to her face, allegedly at the hands of a man with a history of psychiatric issues and drug use. Days later, another similar attack occurred in the same city, where another woman was seriously injured under similar circumstances. The lack of resources for treating mental illnesses and the proliferation of illegal substances have been pointed out as factors exacerbating the security crisis in the country.
In December 2024, former Cuban pitcher Maikel Hidalgo Reyes was the victim of a violent assault in Havana that left him with serious injuries. His case adds to a wave of similar crimes that have raised concerns about the increasing insecurity in the capital.
On the other hand, in Pinar del Río, an altercation in a restaurant ended in tragedy when a man was stabbed to death and at least two others were injured. While authorities attempted to clarify the events, the incident highlighted the rise of violence in public spaces and the ease with which fatal confrontations occur.
These incidents reflect a concerning trend on the island, where the economic and social crisis appears to be fueling an increase in acts of violence, leaving the population in a state of growing insecurity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Assault Attempt at a Secondary School in Cienfuegos
What happened at the "Hermanos Mederos" Urban Basic Secondary School in Cienfuegos?
A man armed with a knife attempted to break into the school after assaulting a student. The assailant, identified as Josué Alejo, had struck a student in the face and then tried to enter the premises, but was restrained by the teaching staff until the police arrived.
What actions did the school staff take during the incident?
In the face of the threat, the principal and several teachers stepped in to prevent the aggressor from accessing the educational institution. Meanwhile, they contacted the police, who arrived on the scene to apprehend the individual.
What were the legal consequences for the aggressor?
The attacker, Josué Alejo, was arrested by the police and faces charges of threats, bodily harm, public disorder, crimes against the normal development of a minor, and carrying a knife in a public place.
How does this incident relate to the security situation in Cuba?
This incident is part of a series of violent events reported in Cuba, reflecting a growing concern about insecurity and crime on the island. Despite government reports of a decrease in crime, public perception is that violence and insecurity continue to rise.
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