Residents of San Miguel del Padrón in Havana nearly lynched a man accused of attempting to sexually assault a 13-year-old boy.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 1, according to a report on Facebook by Univisión journalist Mario Vallejo, who stated that people beat the man with a stick and "almost killed him."
"They left him on the ground in front of his own house, with a broken finger, a rib, and an arm, along with several stitches in his head," he detailed.
"The most unusual thing, according to witnesses who sent me the audiovisual material, is that the men seen near the door of the alleged aggressor's house took advantage of the chaos to enter and steal the belongings of the person who was subjected to the neighborhood's justice," he added.
Finally, the man was detained and taken to the eleventh police unit in the area.
Vallejo specified that the minor underwent forensic examinations and no signs of sexual assault were found.
The reporter shared photos and videos that reveal the violence of the attack. An elderly woman, presumably the boy's grandmother, can be seen wielding a stick against the man who was sitting in a chair at the door of his home.
During the attack, he fell to the ground, and she continued to hit him while shouts of "Hit him hard," "Unbelievable," or "So he learns," came from the onlookers, who watched the scene impassively. Only one woman intervened and stopped the beating, leaving the alleged assailant badly injured, possibly unconscious, beneath the chair.
The scene prompted various reactions among the readers of both posts. While some justified the violence because it allegedly involved a sexual aggressor, others stated that it was an abuse and that the matter should have been reported to the police.
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Community Justice in Cuba
What happened in the incident in San Miguel del Padrón involving the alleged abuser?
Residents of San Miguel del Padrón in Havana nearly lynched a man accused of attempting to sexually abuse a 13-year-old boy. The individual was seriously injured after being beaten by the crowd. However, forensic examinations conducted on the minor found no evidence of sexual assault. Amid the chaos, some individuals took the opportunity to steal the belongings of the accused.
How is the crisis in Cuba affecting public safety?
The economic, political, and social crisis in Cuba has led to a significant rise in crime, resulting in numerous cases of theft and other criminal acts. The ineffective response from the police has caused citizens to often take justice into their own hands, capturing and detaining offenders until the police arrive.
What role do social media play in the perception of safety in Cuba?
In Cuba, social media has become a crucial tool for reporting crimes and sharing experiences related to insecurity. Official profiles and those of citizens on platforms like Facebook reveal the increasing levels of insecurity and the community's response to crime. However, the government often downplays the situation, attributing it to external defamatory campaigns.
How has the community in San Miguel del Padrón responded to the increase in crime?
The community in San Miguel del Padrón has taken direct measures against crime due to the lack of effective action from the authorities. They have been involved in several incidents where they detain criminals until the police arrive. These actions reflect a distrust in security institutions and the need for self-protection among the residents.
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