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A Cuban driver who reported a fine imposed by the police while carrying two people in his classic car in Havana was detained this Saturday and charged with contempt.
The man identified as "Pablo Miguel", who had reported that he was fined 8,000 pesos for street vending without a license, shared on his Facebook profile that he went to the police station at Zapata and C for an alleged interview.
However, upon arrival, they told him that he was accused of contempt.
The driver had streamed live on Facebook this Friday the moment when two PNR officers, a man and a woman, were sanctioning him.
The young man protested and questioned why he couldn't pick up people in his private car.
"They stop you and ask for the boaters' paper as if they were inspectors; the patrols are not meant for that," the driver added.
Acting next, he asked why the fine was imposed if he had not violated any traffic laws.
The driver, who did not succumb to threats that he would be taken into custody, described the issue of fines in Cuba as "mafia."
Also reported that gasoline is paid for at a golden price: “Now you have to drive around in your empty car, when one buys oil at 1.10 dollars for them.”
After announcing his arrest this Saturday, dozens of internet users supported him and urged him to remain calm.
"Calm down my love, serenity and intelligence remember that your family is waiting for you, breathe deeply and calmly with a lot of patience, everything is going to be fine, be very reasonable my life because this is not good for any of you," commented a person.
On the afternoon of this Saturday, another internet user commented on the post about the detention that they had not yet been released from the police because their case was "in process."
As the transportation situation on the island worsens, with a shortage of buses, endless lines, and high prices in the private sector, inspectors have been on the lookout for irregularities in rental transportation.
Frequently asked questions about the case of the fined driver in Havana
Why was the driver fined in Havana?
The driver, identified as "Pablo Miguel," was fined 8,000 pesos for "boteando" without a license, meaning he was transporting passengers informally in his private vehicle, known as "almendrón," in Havana. Police accused him of not having the necessary license to carry out this activity.
What actions did the driver take after receiving the ticket?
After receiving the fine, Pablo Miguel live-streamed on Facebook the moment when the PNR agents sanctioned him and publicly denounced the incident. The driver questioned the legality of the fine and described the fine system as a "mafia".
What was the reaction of social media to the driver's arrest?
The arrest of Pablo Miguel sparked a wave of support on social media. Many users expressed their outrage over what they consider police abuse and criticized the repression towards private transporters in Cuba. Furthermore, corruption within the police was denounced, and calls were made for improvements in public transportation.
What does this incident reflect about the fines system and transportation in Cuba?
This incident highlights the deep deficiencies in the transportation system in Cuba, where public transport is scarce and expensive, and authorities impose fines on private transport operators. Many view fines as a tool for revenue collection rather than regulation, impacting mobility in the country.
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