At least 12 people were arrested during a clash between the police and residents in an area of Havana, where officers violently intervened, even using firearms.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Marianao, in a settlement near the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE) called Finca Traviesa, during a police operation aimed at capturing alleged illegal fuel sellers.
A relative of one of those arrested revealed to Martí Noticias that plainclothes officers violently stormed the place, prompting residents to intervene and protest.
"Shots were fired in the neighborhood. Although no one was injured, one shot was fired into the air and another at a boy named Dainier Brook, who dropped to the ground. They entered aggressively, using batons. They hit men who were simply defending the reason why shots were fired near where there are small children. Even if they were blank shots, it's not right," he questioned.
Among those detained are elderly individuals and the ill. A woman was arrested at the police station itself when she went to inquire about the status of another prisoner. She has since been released.
The remaining 11 individuals were initially taken to the station in Santiago de Las Vegas. Later, some were transferred to the El Vivac detention center in Calabazar, accused of illegal gasoline sales. Others were sent to the Fifth Unit in the Playa municipality, facing charges of assault against the authorities.
“Now everyone who appeared in the video they recorded will be arrested. The neighborhood is living in terror,” reported the witness.
The names of those detained are: Máiquel Pacheco, Greisy Yanki, Dunieski Jardi, Dailín Pérez, Yulier Gómez Canga, Yurisbel Larduet Despaigne, Daniel (known as Pasi), Dainier Brook.
Additionally, Bárbara Duanes, a 67-year-old woman who was struck in the mouth; Landriel Kindelán Matos, 43, who suffers from hypertension, obesity, and a heart condition and was not involved in the events; and a man named Yoel, who does not reside in the settlement but was present when the operation took place.
Several videos are circulating on social media showing clashes between the population and regime agents, in which they appear to have used firearms against civilians, including women and children.
Facebook user Pablo Mendoza reported that there were "gunshots" and the use of "shotguns," sharing several photographs of bullet casings that were supposedly recovered at the scene.
"Until when will this be your attitude towards the people? You have no regard for children, women, or the elderly. Look at what’s happening at CUJAE, how they treat people like animals. It’s not enough for them to make the people suffer; they also have to mistreat them. My people need freedom," wrote Mendoza in his post.
"They are abusers," she repeated. At another moment, she stated, "This is in Cuba, the police hitting women."
Frequently asked questions about the confrontation in Havana and repression in Cuba.
What caused the confrontation in Havana?
The confrontation in Havana was triggered by a police operation aimed at capturing alleged illegal fuel sellers. During the operation, the agents used violence and firearms, prompting residents to intervene and protest. Such actions reflect the escalating tension between the population and the authorities in Cuba.
How did the neighbors respond to the police operation?
The neighbors reacted with outrage and protests in response to the excessive violence of the officers. Residents protested the use of firearms in an area where there were small children, questioning the legitimacy of the police actions. The community was left in a state of terror following the operation.
What measures did the police take after the confrontation?
The police arrested several people, including the elderly and those in poor health. These detainees were taken to various detention centers, accused of illegal gasoline sales and assault against the authorities. The repressive response from the authorities is a consistent feature in handling protest situations in Cuba.
What is the current situation of human rights in Cuba according to recent reports?
The human rights situation in Cuba is concerning, with numerous reports of repression and arbitrary detentions. Protests are met with violence and disproportionate use of force by the regime, and the situation is exacerbated by the ongoing energy and social crisis in the country.
How has the Cuban regime responded to international criticism regarding its repression?
The Cuban regime has dismissed international criticism, arguing that the demonstrations are acts of vandalism and part of defamation campaigns. The government insists that the insecurity is exaggerated by social media and responds to civic protests with repression.
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