A video is circulating on social media showing the moment when half a dozen young people arrive around a house, and three of them threaten someone inside with extreme violence.
"Look at how Cuba is changing", Eliécer Ávila wrote on Instagram while sharing the images.
In the recording, which lasts just over a minute, a young man is seen striking the gate of a property with a pair of machetes, while two others throw bottles into the courtyard.
Towards the end of the images, one of them takes out what appears to be a gun from a backpack.
It is unclear when the video— which has gone viral on social media—was recorded or where the events took place, although Eliécer tagged Holguín in his post.
The reason for the dispute is also not known, although the main aggressor referred to the Abakuás, suggesting that it may involve a conflict among members of that religion.
The incident caused shock and a wave of criticism on social media.
Most comments agree that this type of confrontation reflects the social crisis facing Cuba, where violence among citizens has become normalized, while the real issues plaguing the country remain unaddressed.
One of the points most highlighted by users is the lack of courage to confront the government instead of directing their aggression towards other citizens.
"They are handsome among themselves, but with the dictatorship, they are just ladies", wrote a user; while another quipped: "I want them that handsome in Punto Cero, otherwise, what's the point?".
Another comment added: “Machetes and guns, but to fight among themselves. Why don't they do it at the Capitol?”
For many, the scene is a symbol of the mentality imposed by the Cuban system: "The government takes everything from them daily, and none go with machetes to demand it back. But amongst themselves, they do."
The images have also sparked ridicule regarding the alleged bravery of the attackers, who acted in a group.
"In a group, anyone is brave"; "Why didn't they go in? They act tough only at the gate"; "They should be hired for the war in Ukraine, they would win immediately"; "Jump the fence and stop the act, they're brave until the cockroach flies," other internet users mocked.
In addition to the condemnation of the attackers, many comments pointed to the inaction of the police in the face of episodes of violence of this nature.
“If it were someone shouting ‘Homeland and Life,’ they would have already been arrested,” expressed a user.
"Misery has very strong consequences", someone stated.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Violence and Repression in Cuba
What does the viral video about the machete attack in Cuba reflect?
The viral video showing a group of young people attacking a house with machetes and bottles reflects the growing normalization of violence among citizens in Cuba, as well as the social crisis the country is facing. The scene has sparked criticism on social media, emphasizing the frustration of the population that directs its aggression towards other citizens instead of the government.
What is the situation of violence in Cuba according to comments on social media?
Comments on social media indicate that violence has become normalized in Cuba, with clashes among citizens being common. The inaction of the authorities and the economic crisis have worsened this situation, and many criticize that the real struggle should be against the regime rather than among Cubans themselves.
What role does the police play in these incidents of violence in Cuba?
The Cuban police have been criticized for their inaction in the face of violence between citizens, while they are quick to suppress protests against the government. This double standard has been pointed out by many as a reason contributing to the distrust in authorities and the sense of impunity among criminals.
What is the relationship between the Abakuá religion and the incident in the video?
The main aggressor in the video referred to the Abakuás, suggesting that the conflict may be related to disputes among members of this Afro-Cuban religion. However, the exact details of the conflict remain unclear, and the mention of the Abakuás adds a cultural element to the complex social situation in Cuba.
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