An alleged scam triggered a violent fight this Tuesday in the popular commercial area of La Cuevita in Havana, according to a report on social media by Solanchs De la Caridad, who shared images of the incident.
In a video posted by the young woman, several men are seen brutally attacking another individual in plain sight.
According to the author of the publication in the comments section, the fight arose after an alleged scam, although she did not provide specific details about the origin of the conflict.
"I truly thought they were going to kill him," expressed De la Caridad on Facebook, clarifying that she decided to record and share what happened to demonstrate the rising violence and injustice that Cuban society is facing today.
The young woman stated that she did not intervene directly out of fear of getting hurt and explained that she has a four-year-old son. She also emphasized that although recording may seem controversial, these videos often help identify the aggressors.
In the comments section, some people pointed out that the person who was assaulted was a scammer, while others claimed he was a pickpocket who had stolen from two elderly women.
Other internet users focused their opinions on the abuse of two young people violently attacking an older man, regardless of whether he was a scammer or not.
This fact again highlights the social deterioration and rising insecurity in Cuba, where citizens constantly report similar situations in the face of the passivity or slowness of law enforcement authorities.
The market of La Cuevita, in San Miguel del Padrón, has become a symbol of the uncontrolled situation and the Cuban government's inability to maintain order and ensure access to basic necessities: everything happens here, from police operations to blatant scams, in an environment where the black market reigns and the authorities seem to turn a blind eye.
The most recent episode of violence occurred in December 2024, when an inspector stabbed a street vendor during a conflict that reflects the daily chaos in the area. This is not the first time that clashes have erupted in this site, considered the “mecca of the black market” in the Cuban capital.
In November 2022, a police operation resulted in over 50 resellers being detained, in a failed attempt to control the illegal trade of essential products such as oil, chicken, medications, and hygiene items.
But it is not only state repression that defines the atmosphere in La Cuevita. Scams are also prevalent, such as the one reported in March 2023, when a woman purchased what she believed was cooking oil, but upon arriving home she discovered that the bottle contained water with vinegar.
These traps, common in the area, are the result of desperation and a lack of control, as consumers have no choice but to turn to these informal markets in light of the shortages in state-run stores.
Despite governmental attempts to enhance the situation with renovations, such as the one carried out in 2019, which supposedly transformed the market into an "orderly space," the reality is that La Cuevita remains a hotbed of illegality and survival.
Medications that are missing from pharmacies are available at exorbitant prices in their aisles, basic products appear and disappear according to the black market, and the police presence has only managed to temporarily displace the sellers without addressing the underlying issue.
While the Cuban government insists on attributing these problems to the informal market, the truth is that La Cuevita is a reflection of a country where shortages and crisis have left the population at the mercy of the law of the jungle.
Frequently asked questions about the increasing violence and insecurity in Cuba
What triggered the fight at La Cuevita, Havana?
The fight in La Cuevita was triggered by an alleged scam, according to reports made on social media. The incident turned violent, with several men attacking another individual. This type of situation reflects the increase in violence and insecurity in contemporary Cuban society.
What is the current situation regarding insecurity in Cuba?
Insecurity in Cuba has significantly increased, manifesting in thefts, assaults, and violent acts. The population has begun to take justice into their own hands due to the ineffectiveness of law enforcement, which has created an atmosphere of insecurity and widespread violence throughout the country.
How is the Cuban citizenry responding to crime?
Cuban citizens have begun to confront crime on their own, capturing criminals and spreading these events online to identify and report wrongdoers. This action reflects a lack of trust in the authorities and the need for protection against the rising wave of crimes in the country.
What role do social media play in reporting violence in Cuba?
Social media has played a crucial role in denouncing violence in Cuba, allowing citizens to share videos and images of criminal incidents. This has helped identify the aggressors and has highlighted the seriousness of insecurity in the country.
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