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The desecration of niches and graves in the main cemetery of Camagüey has sparked outrage among residents, following the report by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who revealed the testimony of José Morell Rodríguez, who denounced the violation of his relatives' remains.
According to Morell Rodríguez, during his visit to the site, he discovered that the lock on the niche gate had been tampered with, leaving all the ossuaries open and with missing human remains, including skulls.
"What I saw was horrifying. I have the proper documents that certify 10 boxes in the niche, all registered and looted, leaving the remains exposed to the elements," he reported.
The complainant approached the cemetery administration but stated that he received no response. "Apparently, these incidents go unnoticed by workers, caretakers, and administrative staff. These things happen frequently and nothing is done," he remarked.
Morell Rodríguez harshly criticized the lack of oversight and enforcement by cemetery authorities. "It is time to put an end to these unscrupulous acts and hold those responsible accountable. Noncompliance cannot go unpunished," he stated.
This is not the first time cases of desecration in Cuban cemeteries have been reported, where the theft of human remains and other acts of vandalism have become an escalating problem.
Cubans report that the necropolis, despite its historical significance, is currently facing a troubling neglect, as illustrated by the shared images.
That cemetery was founded in 1814, on what was then the outskirts of the Villa de Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe, which gives it a deep connection to the history and the local community.
Its creation was closely linked to the Parish of Christ of the Good Journey, established in 1792. Before its establishment, burials took place in the town's churches, such as La Soledad, Santa Ana, and La Merced.
However, the rich history of this site has not spared it from governmental neglect. This is not a recent issue; since 2019, many people have raised awareness on social media about the regrettable state of abandonment affecting the cemetery in Camagüey, a problem that is not exclusive to this city.
The affected individuals demand strong measures to prevent these situations from recurring and call for increased security and control in cemeteries.
So far, there has been no official statement from local authorities regarding the cases, which is increasing the frustration of the victims.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cemetery Desecration in Cuba
Why are there thefts and desecrations occurring in Cuba's cemeteries?
Thefts and desecrations in Cuban cemeteries, such as the one in Camagüey, are primarily due to a lack of surveillance and control by the authorities. The regime's negligence and the scarcity of resources have left these places in a state of neglect. The situation is further exacerbated by the rise in crime in the areas where these cemeteries are located.
What measures do citizens affected by the desecration of graves demand?
The citizens affected by the desecration of graves are demanding strong measures, such as increased security and control in cemeteries to prevent future acts of vandalism. They also call for penalties for those responsible for these actions, along with an effective response from local authorities.
What has been the Cuban government's response to these allegations?
So far, there has been no official statement from local authorities regarding the cases of desecration in the cemeteries, which has heightened the frustration of the victims. The regime often justifies these issues by citing a lack of resources, yet has not implemented effective measures to improve the situation.
What impact do these conditions have on Cuban families?
The conditions of neglect and vandalism in Cuban cemeteries emotionally impact families, who witness the desecration of their loved ones' final resting places. Furthermore, they face logistical and financial challenges in burying their deceased, such as the lack of funeral transportation and the need to cover costs that should be borne by the state.
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