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The young Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez, who had her face slashed by a man on a street in Santiago de Cuba, is recovering well from the assault she experienced.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada revealed on Facebook that Yerlanis underwent surgery at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital.
"The young mother is surrounded by her family and loved ones, who are with her at this moment," she stated.
Mayeta Labrada recalled that the victim held degrees in Psychology and Social Work, describing her as a woman devoted to God and a humble Santiago native. "Those of us who know her, both personally and professionally, where I know her from, are aware of the sensitivity she exudes," she emphasized.
Yerlanis is currently a salesperson at the café known as La Maltera, located in her neighborhood, Artes y Oficios. At her workplace, she was attacked, and according to a neighbor's description, the wound was so deep that "you could even see her molars."
The man who attacked her with a knife has been identified as Vladimir Andreu Fernández, known as "Chepín," a 22-year-old with a history of psychiatric issues and substance abuse, having been previously admitted several times to the Gustavo Machín Psychiatric Hospital (Jagüa).
According to statements from family members, he was recently discharged due to a lack of beds, despite his history of violent episodes.
"He has no reason to do what he did, but we took him in, and knowing the doctors were aware of his mental situation, they sent him back," questioned a relative of Chepín, who confessed that he also uses drugs.
"This is not his first crisis; he has been admitted more than four times for drug use and becomes aggressive even with his family. He had only just fallen into this situation when we called an ambulance, and they took him away. The next day, they brought him back, saying there was no bed available, knowing the kind of patient he is..." she detailed.
Some people say that the attacker is a manipulative individual who uses their mental health issues and vices as a shield to always get their way.
"Let them do what is necessary with him, and if the solution is to keep him permanently detained in the Psychiatric Hospital, that's fine, but in this country, there is nothing for those sick individuals," emphasized his family member.
Mayeta Labrada sent Yerlanis a warm embrace and offered her full support, wishing her a speedy recovery.
"We also demand that the party and government authorities in Santiago de Cuba take exemplary measures against these aggressive individuals who suffer from mental illnesses and substance abuse, because it is unacceptable that they commit a crime and then we see them back on the streets, intimidating their families and neighbors," he emphasized.
MILITARIZED SCENE LOCATION
After the attack was reported, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, an ambulance, several police patrols, and a vehicle from the regime's special forces unit, known as the Black Berets, arrived at the scene. Their objective was to control the crowd in case they attempted to take justice into their own hands.
"The place is militarized," expressed Yosmany Mayeta.
From the very first moment, witnesses of the bloody incident claimed that the attacker is a psychiatric patient who was unstable due to a lack of medication and had no connection to the victim.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Assault on Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez in Santiago de Cuba
How is Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez doing after the attack?
Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez is recovering satisfactorily after being attacked in the face. She was treated with surgery at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital and is surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Who is responsible for the aggression against Yerlanis?
The person responsible for the assault is Vladimir Andreu Fernández, known as "Chepín," a 22-year-old with a history of psychiatric issues and drug use. The attack was carried out with a bladed weapon, and the assailant was identified and noted for his violent background.
What measures have been taken following the attack in Santiago de Cuba?
Following the attack on Yerlanis Iglesias, the scene was militarized with the presence of ambulances, police patrols, and a vehicle from the regime's special forces. The aim was to control the situation and prevent people from taking justice into their own hands.
What is the situation of psychiatric care in Cuba according to Chepín's case?
The case of Chepín, the attacker of Yerlanis, highlights the deficiencies in psychiatric care in Cuba. He was recently discharged due to a lack of available beds, despite his history of violent incidents and drug use, which poses a ongoing risk to the community.
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