An elderly woman is brutally beaten during a blackout in Camagüey to steal her belongings

Violence is on the rise in Cuba, while prolonged blackouts increase insecurity and criticism of the government.

Elderly woman beaten in CamagüeyPhoto © Facebook/José Luis Tan Estrada

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An elderly woman was brutally attacked during a blackout last Thursday near Plaza Bedoya in the city of Camagüey, with the intention of stealing her belongings.

According to a report by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who shared the post of citizen Denisse Nicado on his Facebook profile, the victim was violently kicked in the late afternoon-evening while she was alone, and her cellphone and the money she had with her were snatched away.

Sources close to the scene indicated that the attacker is a young person, who, after striking the elderly woman, managed to strip her of all her money before fleeing.

Facebook Capture/José Luis Tan Estrada

Until now, authorities have not provided information about the identity of the assailant or about possible actions to clarify the case.

Many internet users condemned the incident in the comments section, criticizing the government's priorities at the expense of citizen security.

Culture Week, the population in darkness for 20 hours daily and the plaza and the privileged circuit, overwhelmed by thousands of police,” “These strong blackouts we are experiencing are causing this, we live in a western part of the country that is... east,” “We are completely unprotected,” are some of the comments that can be read in the publication.

In recent years, violence in Cuba has increased significantly, creating an atmosphere of fear among the population. Cases of theft, assaults, and violent crimes have become more frequent, while authorities have been criticized for their inaction regarding this issue.

The rising wave of violence, combined with the prolonged blackouts affecting the country, has increased the vulnerability of citizens, especially the elderly, who find themselves defenseless against such attacks.

The darkness and lack of oversight during these power outages create a conducive environment for theft and assaults. Although there are no detailed official statistics available on the increase in crimes during blackouts, incidents have been reported that reflect this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Violence and Blackouts in Cuba

How do power outages affect public safety in Cuba?

Power outages exacerbate public insecurity by creating conditions conducive to theft and assaults, such as the recent case of an elderly woman who was brutally attacked in Camagüey during a power cut. The lack of lighting and surveillance increases the vulnerability of the population, especially the elderly.

Why has violence in Cuba increased in recent years?

The increase in violence in Cuba is due to several factors, including the worsening economic conditions, prolonged blackouts, and a lack of effective action from the authorities. The economic crisis and government ineffectiveness have led to an increase in violent crimes, creating a climate of insecurity and fear among the population.

What measures is the Cuban government taking to address crime?

The Cuban government has been criticized for its inaction in the face of rising crime. Although there have been arrests in some specific cases, such as that of two men who robbed an elderly man in Holguín, the general perception is that the authorities are not doing enough to ensure public safety.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.