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The Cuban regime has been left with no choice but to admit that crime remains high in the country, following a year in which social media has been filled with reports of violent incidents of all kinds, amid the silence of state-controlled media.
The government shared a message on its Twitter account stating that one of its priorities is to reduce crime, corruption, illegal activities, and social indiscipline through prevention and confrontation.
According to the information, during 2024, crime rates "remain high, with a trend towards decreasing." It also notes that incidents affecting livestock are on the decline.
The government continues to claim that crime is decreasing on the Island, despite the fact that the population does not notice it.
In October, the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) revealed that by the end of August, the crime rate remained high, but added that incidents had decreased compared to the same period the previous year.
"Although progress is being made in certain areas and indicators, the people have not yet seen the results, and that is what we are working for. However, some trends indicate that the efforts are beginning to yield results, but these will only be evident when the people can perceive them," stated Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
Days earlier, the Vice President of the Supreme Court, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, stated to the British network BBC that insecurity on the Island is an issue exacerbated by social media, and she attributed it to defamatory campaigns promoted from the United States. She asserted that the police have a high success rate in solving crimes and that the population trusts the Cuban justice system.
However, the reality is very different from what the leaders suggest.
With each passing day, complaints on social media are increasing, where citizens turn to voice their problems and the lack of protection from the police.
Murders, thefts, and assaults, even in broad daylight, are common complaints among Cubans, who no longer feel the supposed security that the government once boasted about.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crime and Security in Cuba
What is the current situation of crime in Cuba according to the government?
The Cuban government acknowledges that crime remains high in the country, although it claims there is a trend toward a decrease. However, the population does not perceive an improvement in security, which creates distrust towards official statements.
How does the Cuban population perceive safety in their country?
Despite government claims of a decrease in crime rates, the Cuban population does not perceive improvements in their daily safety and lives in fear due to rising criminality. Social media has become a space to denounce the lack of police protection and highlight issues of insecurity.
What does the Cuban Observatory for Citizen Audit say about crime in Cuba?
The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) reported an alarming increase in crime during the first half of 2024, with a daily average of 2.37 crimes, representing a 152% increase compared to the same period last year. This stands in stark contrast to official statements suggesting a decrease in crime.
What are the causes of the increase in insecurity in Cuba?
The economic crisis, corruption, and organized crime are key factors contributing to the rise in crime in Cuba. The lack of basic resources and the increase in inflation have created an atmosphere of widespread insecurity, further exacerbated by a government response perceived as inadequate.
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