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The home of the Cuban writer, poet, and literary critic Rafael Almanza, known as Ítaca, was recently burglarized, according to sources close to the intellectual.
The incident has sparked outrage in the cultural sphere of the island. The organization Memoria Cívica expressed its solidarity with Almanza through a post on Facebook, where it described the event as an assault not only on the writer but also on a space of resistance and creation in Cuba.
"Ithaca, the house that endures, has been robbed. We stand in solidarity with the writer Rafael Almanza during this difficult time," the organization announced.
Mario Ramírez, director of Memoria Cívica, also spoke out about the incident:
"Every day I hear about a different robbery in the city of Camagüey, but I wasn't prepared for it to hit so close to home. The broken door in the picture belongs to our dear Rafael Almanza, a writer and teacher who stands strong in Cuba, not only against the misery of the regime but also against the misery of a people that sometimes is, quite frankly, worse," he noted.
"The countless artists, writers, and creators who have passed through this house of everyone will understand my indignation. A city silenced in a silenced country, with defenseless elderly people and an abusive populace that prefers the knife, robbery, and, of course, revolution," he concluded.
Almanza's home has been a meeting point for Cuban artists, writers, and intellectuals, which has intensified the shock following the assault.
Civic Memory highlighted the importance of continuing to support the work of the writer, reminding that his efforts span multiple areas of the platform, from his books with Ediciones Memoria to his Ítaca project and his podcast Palabra del Tiempo.
So far, no details have been released regarding the investigation of the theft, nor have there been any official statements from the authorities. However, the incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of independent intellectuals and creators on the island, who face not only political pressures but also the challenges of an increasingly deteriorated social context.
Other events that took place in Camagüey
One of the most alarming cases occurred in early February 2025, when an 83-year-old woman, Martha Cossío, was brutally assaulted during a blackout near Plaza Bedoya.
The victim suffered a violent beating that caused a hemorrhage in her right eye while her cellphone and cash were being stolen. Despite the severity of the attack, authorities have not reported the capture of those responsible.
In addition, in December 2024, multiple cases of desecration and theft were reported at the main cemetery of Camagüey. Relatives of the deceased reported the violation of niches and the removal of human remains, including skulls.
These actions have generated outrage in the community, which criticizes the lack of control and oversight by the cemetery authorities.
The Camagüeyan community has expressed its concern over the authorities' ineffectiveness in combating this wave of crime, which is exacerbated by factors such as prolonged blackouts and the economic crisis the country is facing. The lack of concrete responses from law enforcement has heightened the sense of insecurity among the city's residents.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Robbery at the Home of Cuban Writer Rafael Almanza and Security in Cuba
What happened at Rafael Almanza's house?
The home of writer Rafael Almanza, known as Ítaca, was recently assaulted, causing outrage in Cuba's cultural community. This incident is viewed as an attack not only on the writer but also on a space of resistance and creativity on the island.
How has the cultural community reacted to the theft in Ithaca?
The cultural community has expressed its solidarity with Rafael Almanza. The organization Memoria Cívica described the event as a blow to a space of resistance in Cuba. Artists, writers, and creators who have passed through Ítaca have expressed their outrage at the incident.
Is insecurity a growing problem in Cuba?
Yes, insecurity and crime have significantly increased in Cuba, affecting both urban and rural areas. Thefts, assaults, and violent crimes have become more frequent, and the inaction of the authorities has been criticized by the public.
What measures have been taken to curb crime in Cuba?
Despite some efforts by the authorities, the response has been insufficient to curb the rise of crime in Cuba. The population has expressed distrust in the effectiveness of law enforcement, which sometimes leads citizens to take justice into their own hands.
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