Elderly Cuban woman identified after being brutally beaten to steal her phone in Camagüey

The violent incident occurred this weekend.

Cuban elderly woman who was severely beaten in CamagüeyPhoto © Facebook / Jose Luis Tan Estrada and Denisse Nicado

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The elderly Cuban woman who suffered a brutal assault last Thursday in the city of Camagüey, where she was robbed of her cellphone, is recovering from her injuries and has not died, as has been reported on some social media profiles.

The victim, 83 years old, has been identified as Martha Cossío, as noted on Facebook by independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada.

The communicator specified -based on the testimony of Cossío's relatives- that the elderly woman is stable at home, receiving medical treatment, although she is experiencing severe pain and has a hemorrhage in her right eye due to the injuries sustained.

The authorities have not yet provided information regarding the identification or capture of those responsible.

Facebook Capture/José Luis Tan Estrada

The case has sparked a wave of outrage and concern as it serves as further evidence of the rise of violence and impunity on the island.

Some have characterized what happened not as theft, but as an "attempted murder."

"Nothing, if by chance they catch him, they will impose a minimum penalty or a fine... but if he shouts freedom or expresses a differing opinion, then they will impose a long sentence," an internet user stated in the comments section, alluding to the priorities of the judicial system on the island.

Others pointed out how the official propaganda insists that "there is no violence in Cuba," despite the fact that reality on the streets shows otherwise.

However, the feeling of insecurity is on the rise, and many agree that the sanctions are insufficient to curb crime.

The elderly woman's aggression

Martha Cossío 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 previous reports, the victim was violently kicked in the late afternoon, while alone, and her cell phone and the money she was carrying were stolen.

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

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

The growing wave of violence, compounded by the prolonged power outages affecting the country, has increased the vulnerability of citizens, especially the elderly, who find themselves defenseless against these types of attacks.

The darkness and lack of supervision during these power outages create a conducive environment for theft and assaults. Although detailed official statistics on the increase in crimes during blackouts are not available, incidents have been reported that reflect this issue.

Frequently asked questions about the rising violence in Cuba and the case of Martha Cossío

Who is the elderly woman assaulted in Camagüey and what is her health condition?

Martha Cossío, 83 years old, is the elderly woman who was brutally attacked in Camagüey to steal her cell phone. She is currently stable at home, but is receiving medical treatment due to severe pain and bleeding in her right eye caused by the blows she received.

What actions have the Cuban authorities taken in response to the increase in violence?

Until now, the Cuban authorities have not reported on the identification or capture of those responsible for the attack on Martha Cossío. The lack of action has sparked a wave of indignation among the population, who criticize the inefficacy of the judicial system and the apparent impunity of criminals on the island.

How do power outages affect citizen security in Cuba?

Power outages in Cuba have increased the vulnerability of citizens, especially the elderly, by creating an environment conducive to theft and assaults due to darkness and lack of supervision. This situation has contributed to a heightened sense of insecurity and fear among the population.

What is the citizens' perception of violence in Cuba?

The perception among Cuban citizens is that violence has significantly increased in recent years. Many criticize the lack of effective measures by the government to curb this wave of crime and express their concern about the insecurity in the streets, especially during blackouts.

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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.

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.