A new case of police abuse has come to light in the province of Matanzas, where a Cuban citizen was assaulted after requesting urgent medical attention for his wife at a local hospital.
This was stated by the Facebook user Omar Sánchez, who detailed the events that took place on Thursday night at 9:47 PM at the Guasasa hospital, located in the town of Colón, Matanzas.
According to the publication, the man was struck with tonfas and sprayed with pepper spray by agents of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) while he pleaded for them to attend to his wife. The woman was in critical condition and writhing in pain.
Sánchez pointed out that the healthcare system is collapsed and lacking in medications, leaving ordinary Cubans unprotected.
However, so far, the man's demeanor when seeking medical attention has not been confirmed. This detail remains a topic of discussion on social media, where some users have questioned whether his behavior may have influenced the police intervention.
"The average Cuban continues to be a victim of a collapsed system that forces him to live on his knees," Sánchez stated in his post, which has sparked strong criticism towards the authorities.
Health and police authorities have not yet released any official statements regarding what happened, as the case continues to provoke public outrage.
This incident occurs within a context of recurring allegations of police abuse in Cuba.
Recent reports indicate that, in the last five years, at least 95 people have died in the country, between 2018 and 2023, at the hands of law enforcement, either in police custody or during interrogations marked by brutality.
Additionally, numerous cases of non-lethal violence have been documented, including physical assaults and violations of human rights, particularly within the Cuban prison system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Abuse and the Healthcare System in Cuba
What happened to the Cuban citizen who requested medical attention for his wife?
A Cuban citizen was assaulted by the police after seeking urgent medical attention for his wife at a hospital in Matanzas. The officers used batons and pepper spray while the man pleaded for help for his wife, who was in serious condition.
What is the situation of the health system in Cuba according to the whistleblowers?
The Cuban healthcare system is in collapse and lacks medications and basic supplies, leaving citizens unprotected and facing long wait times and inadequate attention in urgent cases.
What patterns of police abuse have been documented in Cuba?
In the last five years, numerous cases of police abuse have been documented in Cuba, including deaths in custody, physical violence, and human rights violations. These incidents reflect a systematic pattern of excessive use of force by authorities.
How has the Cuban government responded to reports of police abuse?
Cuban authorities have remained silent or downplayed the significance of incidents of police abuse, and those responsible rarely face sanctions. This fosters impunity and exacerbates the vulnerability of citizens.
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