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The Cuban regime handed down sentences of up to 10 years to several individuals for a crime of cattle theft that involved violence against a guard in the municipality of Los Arabos, in the province of Matanzas.
Those involved in the assault, which took place on the night of June 8, 2022, were sentenced to prison terms of up to 10 years, reported the official newspaper Girón.
The accused, identified as A, B, and C, along with several unidentified accomplices, stormed the "Jorge" farm armed with shotguns and machetes with the intention of stealing and slaughtering livestock.
That night, the butchers cut through the fences of the corral and attacked the guard who was watching over the horses.
Due to his resistance, one of the assailants shot at the guard and injured him in the left leg.
Despite the injury, the guard managed to call for help from another security officer at a neighboring property, which forced the attackers to temporarily withdraw.
However, realizing that only one person had come to their aid, they returned to the site to continue with their objective.
Under threats of further violence, the criminals managed to steal six animals (mares, colts, and a chestnut) valued at over 100,000 pesos.
They then sacrificed the animals and sold the meat illegally in Havana, the report states.
The Provincial People’s Court of Matanzas sentenced the accused A to 10 years in prison for the crimes of robbery with violence, illegal slaughter of large cattle, sale of stolen beef, and illegal possession of firearms.
The other two defendants, B and C, were sentenced to 8 and 9 years in prison, respectively, for the same charges, while defendants D and E, who participated in the transportation of the meat, received 4 years of imprisonment, with the option to serve the sentence under correctional work without incarceration.
The ruling also imposed additional penalties on the convicted individuals, such as the confiscation of seized assets, the loss of public rights, and a prohibition on leaving the country.
Additionally, A, B, and C will be required to compensate the victims for the material damage caused, which will be carried out through the Compensation Fund of the Ministry of Justice, the publication emphasizes.
The regime asserts that the theft and illegal slaughter of livestock is a crime that severely impacts the national economy and agricultural producers, who have organized patrols in many provinces to protect the animals at night.
In 2024, 1,615 Cuban citizens were sanctioned for activities related to the illegal slaughter of livestock and the trafficking of its meat.
The Supreme People's Court reported a few weeks ago that 90 percent of those prosecuted received prison sentences, with 78 percent of them facing penalties of up to 15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crimes and Justice in Cuba
What are the penalties imposed on those involved in cattle theft in Matanzas?
Those involved in the cattle theft in Matanzas were sentenced to prison terms of up to 10 years. The main accused received a 10-year sentence for violent theft and other related offenses, while his accomplices were sentenced to between 4 and 9 years in prison.
Why is the illegal slaughter of livestock a problem in Cuba?
The illegal slaughter of livestock is a serious problem in Cuba as it impacts the country's economy and food security. The scarcity of meat and its high value in the black market have driven these illegal practices, which are heavily punished by the Cuban regime.
How is the Cuban regime responding to the rise in livestock-related crimes?
The Cuban regime has intensified its legal measures and control operations to tackle the rise in livestock-related crimes. This includes exemplary trials and harsh penalties, even though these actions do not address the underlying causes, such as the economic crisis that drives the population toward the black market.
What impact does violence against custodians have in Cuba?
Violence against custodians in Cuba reflects the rise in crime and insecurity in the country. Custodians have been attacked and injured during robberies, highlighting the ineffectiveness of authorities in ensuring safety amid an economic and social crisis.
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