Cuban authorities responded to rumors of alleged kidnappings and other violent acts against children that have circulated on social media in recent days.
Journalist Humberto López interviewed Maricarmen Rojas Torres, director of special educational activities at the Ministry of Education, on his television program. She was emphatic in stating that there has been no such incident in Cuba and that the messages circulating on the Internet are false.
The official stated that there was never any truck outside the schools taking children to be delivered to drug trafficking gangs, nor did any man with a knife abduct a minor. She even contradicted some parents from Mantilla, in Havana, who declared in a video that someone attempted to kidnap their daughter.
"That's all false," he assured.
Rojas Torres explained that there is a reporting system for incidents that may occur in educational centers across the country, involving other institutions.
"There is no evidence of any child being absent from home due to any of these situations, nor has any family reported that their child was attempted to be kidnapped or is kidnapped after leaving school," he emphasized.
The regime's spokesperson also spoke with the deputy prosecutor of Havana, Yaimara Angulo, who warned about the criminal responsibility that those who spread false information incur when aiming to create alarm, discontent, or panic.
"When activities of this nature are carried out through social media or other communication platforms that allow for the mass dissemination of information, thereby broadening the audience that can access it, the law establishes a stricter punitive framework that can extend up to five years of imprisonment," she detailed.
Last week, authorities from the municipality of Cárdenas, Matanzas, denied that there have been kidnappings of children in schools and labeled the information that has spread in recent hours as false.
"In Cárdenas, there are no kidnapped children nor any attempts of this abominable action," emphatically stated a communication from the municipal telecentre Telebandera.
"Finally, the place of the events is reported to be primary and secondary schools in the area. Some versions mention the primary school in Cantel, Boca de Camarioca, the José Martí secondary school, or the educational complex," the report noted.
Telebandera stated that, according to the Education Directorate in the area, "there are no incidents of this kind in any of the 61 centers in the municipality," and added that, "so far," no complaints have reached either of the two police units located in the cities of Cárdenas and Varadero.
"There is a climate of fear among many parents; what is most unfortunate is that some teachers have echoed the rumor and are warning families about the supposed danger of kidnapping," the publication stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Kidnapping Rumors in Cuba
Are there any evidence of child abductions in Cuba?
There is no evidence of child abductions in Cuba, according to Cuban authorities. They have denied these rumors, asserting that no complaints or evidence confirming such incidents have been presented in the country.
What legal actions can be taken against those who spread false rumors in Cuba?
The Deputy Prosecutor of Havana, Yaimara Angulo, warned that spreading false information in Cuba can lead to criminal sanctions, with penalties of up to five years of imprisonment, especially if it causes public alarm or social discontent.
How have the official Cuban media reacted to the rumors of kidnappings?
Cuban state media have categorically denied the rumors of child abductions, calling them "false information" and assuring that schools in Cuba are safe. They have urged the public to seek information through official channels.
What is the perception of safety in Cuban schools according to citizens?
Despite official denials, some citizens have expressed concerns about safety in Cuban schools, mentioning incidents such as fights and the presence of outsiders. The perception of insecurity varies between the population and the authorities.
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