Several citizens from Santiago confronted National Police officers this Tuesday due to the recent wave of product confiscations and excessive fines imposed on street vendors.
In a video published by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on the social network Facebook, several people can be seen reacting indignantly to these unjustified actions against self-employed workers, including those known as "carretilleros."
Mayeta himself stated that the authorities, led by Beatriz Johnson, Manuel Falcón, and the Communist Party of Santiago de Cuba, have been criticized for implementing these policies, which directly impact those who seek to support their families.
He also demanded the return of the seized products and that they not be used in government cafeterias or for the personal benefit of the authorities.
The report has spread quickly on social media, where those affected have described these actions as a blatant theft that deserves to be condemned.
A similar situation has occurred against flower vendors, which heightens the discontent in a city facing serious economic and social challenges, as families struggle to defend their right to work and put food on the table every day.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel has launched a new campaign against corruption in Cuba, amid social media scandals involving his stepson Manuel Anido and Sandro, the grandson of Fidel Castro.
From December 2 to 7, Cuba will host the National Exercise for the Prevention and Response to Crime, Corruption, Illegal Activities, and Social Disciplinary Issues. This initiative aims to strengthen the work of state bodies and social organizations to ensure public safety and order.
Last July, the municipal court of Cienfuegos sentenced a street vendor to five years in prison for assaulting two inspectors who attempted to fine him.
The sanctioned individual, named Leonardo Díaz Carrasco, was charged with two counts of assault for the events that took place on February 2 in the La Juanita popular council.
In December 2023, agents of the Revolutionary National Police arrested a street vendor, and a crowd took the opportunity to loot the cart and steal the merchandise.
The events took place in Havana and were captured by a neighbor's mobile camera. The video, shared on social media, does not specify the date or the exact location of the incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seizures and the Social Situation in Santiago de Cuba.
Why are the people of Santiago confronting the police?
Residents of Santiago have clashed with the police due to a recent wave of product confiscations and excessive fines imposed on street vendors, known as carretilleros. These actions are perceived as unjustified and have a significant impact on those trying to support their families. The policies enacted by the authorities have been described by the community as a blatant theft.
What role do social media play in reporting the seizures in Santiago de Cuba?
Social media has been crucial in highlighting and denouncing the confiscation actions in Santiago de Cuba. Independent journalists and citizens have used platforms like Facebook to share videos and experiences, allowing the reports to spread rapidly and igniting a debate about the economic and social situation in the country.
What is the Cuban government's response to the crisis of street vendors?
The Cuban government has launched a campaign against corruption and illegal activities; however, these measures have been criticized for targeting street vendors instead of addressing structural issues. Authorities have been accused of implementing policies that hinder the livelihoods of self-employed workers amid an economic and social crisis.
How does the situation with seizures affect farmers and local suppliers in Cuba?
The seizures have also impacted farmers and local suppliers, who find their products confiscated when attempting to bring them to the cities. This represents an additional obstacle for those who rely on selling their goods to survive, exacerbating the food crisis in the country and sparking a debate about the lack of support for local producers.
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