In an incident that has sparked intense debate on social media, a teenager was captured after attempting to steal from a warehouse located in the C Buildings in the José Martí District of Santiago de Cuba.
According to witnesses -quoted by journalist Yosmany Mayeta- the minor was surrounded by several people until the authorities arrived and took him into custody.
In the images shared, the minor is seen wearing a uniform, leaning against a wall while a man guards him in the presence of other people.
Although it is still unknown whether the minor was able to steal anything from the establishment, some witnesses claimed that he was carrying a knife, which has intensified the debate about the nature of the incident: Is it a mere act of desperation due to hunger or a manifestation of juvenile delinquency?
A polarized debate on social media
The case has sparked a wave of mixed opinions among internet users.
Many argue that misery has turned children into delinquents and that desperation due to lack of food drives them to make extreme decisions.
"Misery has turned them into criminals. How sad!", commented a user reflecting the reality faced by a large part of the Cuban population.
"I'm sorry, this is poorly done, but it's the misery in which we are being subjected. Without bread, without food, without electricity, and to top it all off, there's no gas in the province. The people are losing hope, and when the stomach growls, there's no endurance," argued another person, justifying the young person's action as a desperate measure.
"A thief is someone who steals from a bank, steals from homes, and takes away appliances. But the one who goes to the store to steal food is doing so out of desperation. And if it's a child, it’s even worse. This highlights the desperation faced by the population," commented a user in a post that sparked multiple replies.
Others, however, believe that stealing is not justifiable under any circumstances and that necessity cannot be an excuse for crime.
"Today it’s a store, tomorrow in a house. Evil is cut off at the root," "That’s called THEFT. I know children who face difficult situations and don’t steal; they prefer to sell bread, clean a yard, or collect cans, but they don’t steal," pointed out two commentators.
A social problem beyond the individual case?
Beyond the debate between those who justify the act out of necessity and those who condemn it as a criminal act, there are those who view this incident as part of a deeper problem in Cuban society.
"Opportunity makes the thief, and in this case, necessity takes precedence. He didn’t break into any houses; he went straight to the State’s premises. That boy sees that his mother's salary is not enough and, surely, he has a little brother. His grandmother’s check vanishes when she buys a couple of soaps. Deep down, he probably thought that if it worked out, maybe they could make it to the end of the month at home. I don’t justify the act, but it’s a desperate move," reflected another internet user.
The concern also extends to the lack of opportunities for Cuban youth.
"Youth is desperate to find money and gets involved in anything: they rob, they kill, necessity is dragging them down to the bottom," commented another user.
The reality of the crisis
Cuba is facing one of the most severe economic crises in recent times, with an alarming shortage of food and essential goods.
"It’s not well done, on the contrary, but I’m sure his mother can’t even afford to cook for him. Right now, a small loaf of bread costs 180 pesos," stated a user in reference to inflation and the lack of food in the country.
Some also suspect that behind this situation, there may be adults using minors to commit crimes.
What is undeniable is that the incident reflects the extreme situation faced by the Cuban population and the few options that many have to survive.
The debate remains open: is it an action justified by hunger or a criminal act that should be punished?
Frequently Asked Questions about Juvenile Delinquency and the Crisis in Cuba
Why has the attempted robbery by a minor sparked debate in Cuba?
The incident has sparked a debate about whether the theft was an act of desperation or juvenile delinquency. Many people on social media argue that the scarcity of food and the misery in Cuba are driving minors to make desperate decisions, while others believe that theft is inexcusable under any circumstances.
How is the economic crisis affecting the youth in Cuba?
The economic crisis is pushing Cuban youth into extreme situations, such as theft and informal jobs. The lack of food and opportunities is creating a growing sense of despair among young people, who in some cases resort to crime as a means of survival.
What role do neighbors play in the apprehension of criminals in Cuba?
In light of the police's ineffectiveness, neighbors often take justice into their own hands. In Santiago de Cuba and other parts of the country, it is common for residents to apprehend criminals and hold them until authorities arrive, reflecting a lack of trust in security institutions.
Is stealing out of hunger justifiable in the current situation in Cuba?
The theft out of hunger is a topic of debate in Cuba, with divided opinions. Some people justify theft as a desperate action amid the economic crisis, while others believe that hunger does not excuse the crime and that legal alternatives should be sought to survive.
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