A tourist was the victim of a violent assault on April 30 while walking along a central street in Old Havana.
A video released by the independent outlet Cubanet shows the moment when the young woman and other tourists recover from the incident they experienced. They reported that a man on a motorcycle violently snatched the woman's backpack in broad daylight, shocking onlookers.
The incident occurred on Teniente Rey Street, between Habana and Aguiar, an area frequented by both locals and foreign visitors.
According to witnesses, following the incident, several tourists began to call for help and demanded the presence of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), but more than thirty minutes after the event, no officer had yet arrived at the scene.
This type of criminal modality, the snatching from a moving motorcycle, has become one of the most common practices of robbery in the Cuban capital.
The growing wave of street violence, coupled with the lack of effective response from the authorities, creates an increasing perception of insecurity among citizens and tourists.
Social media was flooded with comments following the release of the video, many of which harshly criticized the lack of action by the Cuban government to protect both its citizens and visitors.
Some users sarcastically commented on the uselessness of calling the police, while others voiced their concerns about the deterioration of public order on the island.
"Cuba wasn't like this," lamented an internet user. Other users were more blunt: "Tourists aren't even safe anymore," "This is a pressure cooker," or "Don't travel to Cuba," reflecting the outrage and disappointment of many.
That same day, a report was made about the assault on two other tourists in Old Havana. They were young Russian women who had arrived in Cuba with the intention of enjoying a 12-day stay in Varadero.
However, while they were enjoying a stroll through the streets of Old Havana, two thieves repeatedly assaulted them and managed to take one of their purses, which contained cash, personal documents, and her passport.
These incidents revive the debate over the public safety crisis the country is experiencing, worsened by deep economic scarcity and the institutional collapse affecting all levels of the State.
While the regime continues to promote tourism as a vital source of foreign currency, incidents like this expose the dangerous disconnect between official propaganda and everyday reality.
So far, the authorities have not provided any information about the identity of the attacker or any progress in the investigation of the case. It has also not been confirmed whether the tourist was able to recover her belongings.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity in Cuba and the recent assault on tourists
What happened to the tourist who was assaulted in Old Havana?
The tourist was the victim of a violent assault when a man on a motorcycle snatched her backpack in broad daylight on Teniente Rey Street, an area frequented by residents and tourists. Despite the cries for help from witnesses, the police did not arrive at the scene until thirty minutes after the incident.
How has the community reacted to the increase in insecurity in Cuba?
The community, including residents and tourists, has expressed its concern and dissatisfaction through social media. Many criticize the lack of action from the Cuban government and the ineffectiveness of the police in controlling the wave of crime affecting the country. In some cases, citizens have taken justice into their own hands, detaining criminals before the authorities arrive.
Why has violence and crime increased in Cuba lately?
The rising insecurity in Cuba has been exacerbated by the deep economic crisis and the institutional collapse affecting the country. The lack of resources, the increase in unemployment, and the ineffectiveness of the authorities in curbing crime have contributed to this alarming rise in violence and delinquency.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to address this situation?
So far, the authorities have not provided specific information on effective measures to combat the crime wave. The police response has been criticized for its slowness and lack of effectiveness, while the public is urged to take extra precautions. However, there has been no visible increase in patrols or concrete actions to enhance public safety.
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