The Municipal People's Tribunal of San Antonio del Sur, in the province of Guantánamo, held two exemplary trials last Wednesday against four individuals accused of misappropriating products intended for the basic food basket and for those affected by Hurricane Oscar.
In the first case, two workers from Unit 642 of the Wholesale Company of Food Products and Other Consumer Goods, in their roles as warehouse chief and brigade chief, diverted 62 kilograms of skimmed milk powder intended for a group of twenty children aged two to six at the Acueducto and Puriales de Caujerí warehouses, reported the state-run newspaper Venceremos.
In addition, 388 one-kilogram packages of pasta were hidden, intended as aid for consumers in the municipality. The economic value of the stolen goods exceeded 3,000 pesos, as these were subsidized products.
The court, applying article 424, section 1, of the Penal Code, which provides for penalties of six months to one year of imprisonment, sentenced the warehouse manager to one year of imprisonment and a fine of 200 installments of 10 pesos each. The brigade leader was also sentenced to one year of imprisonment.
In the second trial, the head of the Basic Unit of La Carpa, which is subordinate to the La Cienfueguera restaurant in the city of Guantánamo, illegally sold bags of flour from donations, as well as rice, peas, and oil, to a resident of the municipality of San Antonio del Sur. These products were found in a house in that same locality.
Both defendants were convicted of the crime of misappropriation, according to Article 424, Section 1, of the Penal Code, which establishes penalties of six months to one year of imprisonment. The employee of the unit received a sentence of one year of imprisonment, while the buyer was sentenced to ten months of imprisonment.
Since these crimes were committed in the context of a natural disaster, the aggravating factor provided by Article 80, Section 1, Paragraph d) of the Penal Code was applied. Additionally, accessory penalties of deprivation of public rights, prohibition of leaving the national territory, and prohibition from practicing a profession, position, or trade were imposed for the same duration as the main sentence, taking into account the administrative responsibilities of the defendants.
Both the defendants and the prosecution have the right to appeal the court's decisions.
In the context of a disturbing rise in criminal activity in Cuba, the authorities have intensified the holding of exemplary trials to curb this trend.
Provinces like Santiago de Cuba have conducted multiple exemplary trials. For example, the Municipal People's Court of Songo-La Maya carried out four of these proceedings in August 2024, focusing on offenses such as assaults against law enforcement officers and the illegal slaughter of cattle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exemplary Trials and Corruption in Cuba
What is a exemplary trial in Cuba?
An exemplary trial in Cuba is a judicial process that aims not only to punish the guilty but also to deter the population from committing similar crimes by publicly demonstrating the legal consequences.
Why are exemplary trials held in Guantánamo?
The exemplary trials in Guantánamo are held in response to an alarming increase in crime in the region and to curb corruption in the management of resources allocated for the population, especially in crisis contexts such as that caused by Hurricane Oscar.
What penalties do those accused of corruption in Cuba face?
In Cuba, those accused of corruption may face sentences of up to 20 years in prison, along with additional penalties such as the deprivation of public rights and a prohibition on leaving the country, depending on the severity of the offense and the context in which it was committed.
What is the current situation of food distribution in Cuba?
The distribution of food in Cuba is critical, with rationing and a significant shortage of basic products such as coffee, oil, and toothpaste, compounded by logistical and economic issues, as well as the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Oscar.
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