Impunity and the lack of citizen protection have once again come to light in Havana, following a public complaint made this Tuesday by Meibol Sánchez Mujica, a resident of the Arroyo Naranjo municipality, who reported the theft of her elevated water tank without any action taken by the authorities, despite having evidence of the crime.
In a post on his Facebook profile, Sánchez reported that the incident occurred on Rivera Street, between Calzada de Diez de Octubre and Gonzalo, where criminals stole the tank directly from the area outside his home.
The report was filed at the unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) located in "El Capri," which corresponds to the municipality.
However, the initial response from the officials was telling: "there was no car, no gasoline, and no personnel available," so they could not address the case.
Faced with the inaction of the authorities, the victim's family was forced to investigate on their own.
After several hours of effort, they managed to identify one of the alleged perpetrators of the robbery, but even with that information, the police did not take any action.
"They're petty thieves, but those tanks are very expensive; they are hard to come by, and if you do find one, it's on the black market. There is no salary in Cuba that would allow someone to buy another elevated tank," Sánchez lamented.
The citizen sharply criticized the actions of the authorities: “What kind of public safety can we expect if the authorities do not even take action with evidence in hand? We have had to do the work that belongs to the police, and still, nothing happens.”
He also denounced that justice in Cuba operates with a double standard, as, in his words, "if one acts justly and catches the thief, then one ends up in prison while the thief keeps on stealing."
The case once again highlights the inaction that prevails in the country, where the scarcity of resources is systematically used as an excuse to justify state ineffectiveness and the abandonment of fundamental rights such as the protection of private property and access to justice.
"Until when will citizens be allowed to remain unprotected, while crime acts with impunity in broad daylight?" the victim herself indignantly asks at the conclusion of her public complaint.
In recent months, citizen insecurity in Cuba has reached alarming levels, impacting both residents and foreign visitors.
Recently, two Russian tourists were violently assaulted in Havana, an incident that went viral on social media and sparked outrage due to the lack of effective response from the authorities.
On that same day, an individual was caught attempting to rob the Hotel Sevilla, also in the capital, which shows that even central tourist facilities are not safe from crime.
The situation does not seem to be isolated. Just a week ago, images of three women caught stealing using an unconventional method were disseminated, raising concerns about the increasing sophistication of certain crimes and a sense of impunity.
On the same day, another tourist was attacked by a man on a motorcycle in the middle of the street, a modus operandi that frequently recurs in various urban areas of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Impunity and Insecurity in Havana
Why doesn't the police in Cuba take action against theft?
The inaction of the police in Cuba regarding robberies is partly due to a lack of resources, such as vehicles, gasoline, and personnel, which has been used as a justification for not addressing citizens' complaints. Additionally, there is a growing discontent among the population due to the perception of inefficiency and neglect by the authorities, which has led people to take matters into their own hands.
How does impunity in Cuba affect citizen security?
Impunity in Cuba severely affects citizen security by fostering an environment of violence and insecurity. The lack of effective action from the authorities and the rise in crime have led citizens to feel unprotected. This has resulted in an increase in thefts, assaults, and other crimes, generating frustration and distrust towards the judicial and police system in the country.
What measures are Cuban citizens taking in response to the lack of security?
Cuban citizens are choosing to take justice into their own hands due to the lack of response from the authorities. This includes the capture and detention of thieves by neighbors until the police arrive, although this often carries risks of violence. The installation of security cameras and the use of social media to report and share information about crimes have also become common measures for self-defense.
What role do social media play in reporting crimes in Cuba?
Social media plays a crucial role in reporting crimes in Cuba, serving as a platform for citizens to expose thefts, assaults, and other criminal activities. In the face of a lack of transparency and action from the authorities, Cubans turn to Facebook and other networks to share videos, photos, and details of the crimes, seeking support and community justice. This has allowed for greater visibility of the insecurity situation in the country.
Filed under: