A Cuban is brutally assaulted in the streets of Centro Habana

The rise in crime is causing concern over security in Cuba.

Calle de Centro Habana (Imagen de Referencia) © Flickr/CiberCuba
Street in Centro Habana (Reference Image)Photo © Flickr/CiberCuba

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A Cuban was recently assaulted on a street in Centro Habana, and the three individuals involved in the violent incident were arrested by the police on Friday.

The attackers, identified as Adolfo Javier, Alexander, and Yordan Keiler, were apprehended shortly after the attack, according to information posted on the Facebook profile of a user named Javier Gutiérrez, who is dedicated to praising the actions of the Cuban police against crime, similar to several other social media pages aligned with the regime.

Facebook capture/Javier Gutiérrez

According to the note revealed by this user, the assailants "attacked the victim, assaulted him with punches, causing injuries, and then left him on the pavement while they took his money and personal belongings."

Gutiérrez celebrated the arrest, commenting: “This time they were taken into custody by the police, and you know, it's all about the chains and begging for the last meal in prison.”

Additionally, as is customary in his profile, he praised the actions of the authorities and the collaboration of the community, expressing gratitude for the joint effort that brought those responsible to justice.

However, the source did not provide any information about the victim, whose identity has not been revealed, nor about their current health condition.

This incident occurs within a context of growing concern over public safety in Cuba.

According to a report from the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Auditing (OCAC), 432 crimes were reported in the first half of 2024, averaging 2.37 crimes per day, significantly surpassing the figures for the same period in 2023.

Among these crimes, there are notable figures of 91 murders, 260 thefts, 39 assaults, and 29 attacks, highlighting a significant increase in criminal activity compared to the previous year.

Despite the Cuban government acknowledging the rise in violence and crime, the sense of insecurity persists among the population. In October 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz admitted that although official statistics show a decrease in crimes compared to the previous year, citizens do not yet feel these results in their daily lives.

Moreover, in July 2024, President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the rise in violence, crime, and addictions in the country, attributing it to an "adverse socioeconomic scenario."

Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Security in Cuba

What was the recent incident of violence in Centro Habana?

A Cuban was violently assaulted on a street in Centro Habana, where three individuals attacked him, robbing him of his money and personal belongings. The assailants were apprehended by the police shortly after the attack.

What is the current state of crime in Cuba according to the OCAC?

The Cuban Observatory for Citizen Auditing (OCAC) reported an alarming increase in crime during the first half of 2024, with a daily average of 2.37 crimes. This marks a 152% rise compared to the same period last year.

How has the Cuban government responded to the rise in crime?

The Cuban government has publicly acknowledged the rise in crime and violence. However, the public feels that the government's actions are insufficient to address the daily insecurity.

What factors contribute to the increase in insecurity in Cuba?

The economic crisis, corruption, and organized crime are crucial factors in the rise of crime in Cuba. The lack of basic resources and the increase in inflation have created an atmosphere of widespread insecurity.

How does the Cuban population perceive safety in their country?

Despite official statistics showing a decrease in certain crimes, the Cuban population does not perceive improvements in their daily security and lives in fear of the rising crime rate.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on current events in Cuba and global issues. At CiberCuba, we strive to provide accurate news and critical analysis.