A young Cuban died on Wednesday afternoon in Havana after reportedly falling from the roof of his home in the Playa municipality.
However, the circumstances surrounding the death are unclear, and the latest reports consistently indicate a possible police abuse.
Initially, several independent media outlets and sources claiming to be knowledgeable about the case indicated that the deceased young man was under the effects of the drug known as "the chemical" at the time of his death, a claim that has been refuted by the official profile Habana Noticias.
The cited source denied the information spread on social media but did not provide a complete account of what happened, instead simply stating that the young man “had mental health issues.”
“Recently, a false news item has circulated about an incident in Havana that has been distorted by certain media. It is important to clarify that the young man involved in the incident had mental health issues, according to testimonies from neighbors and relatives, stated Habana Noticias.
“We deny the distorted version published by ‘La Tijera’, which not only misrepresents the information but also seeks to create confusion and misinformation. We urge responsibility when sharing information on social media,” they added.
"Let us always verify the sources and avoid the spread of false news. Let us support people with mental health issues and promote an environment of understanding and respect," they concluded, without providing any further details about what had happened.
What is being said on social media?
"A young man dies at 70 after his mother called the police, he was running uncontrollably across the rooftops, it is still unclear what the true version of events is," posted a user in several Facebook groups in Playa.
“A young man suffering from nerves has passed away, but what happened is severe, and it can no longer be spoken of”, stated a commentator who specified that the deceased was 30 years old and that he “was in a nervous crisis.”
Irma Broek, Yosmany Mayeta, and the aforementioned news portal La Tijera provided accounts of the events that align with what the Cuban government has denied.
The versions circulating on social media and independent media share common elements, but there are also substantial differences regarding the circumstances of the young man's death.
Yosmany Mayeta Labrada was one of the first to provide details of the incident, pointing directly to a possible lethal combination of drug use and police violence.
According to their publication, the young man "jumped across the rooftop breaking everything" and died when "the police tried to subdue him," suggesting possible causes of death as a beating by the officers or an overdose due to the high concentration of drugs in his body.
Irma Broek, from her group "Crímenes en Cuba," coincided with the time and place of the incident, and stated that the young man was “under the effects of the chemical,” running “recklessly” across the rooftops, and it was his mother who called the police.
Although Broek did not mention direct violence, he highlighted the uncertainty surrounding what happened: "The true account of the events has not yet been made public."
The Scissors initially offered a version that included both accounts: while "one publication claims it was under the influence of Kímico, others assert that he was killed by the police."
Later, La Tijera updated its report with more compelling information.
According to the new publication, the young man "would have been killed by the police whom his mother called in an attempt to contain him, not to murder him."
The version maintains that the agents shouted at him upon arrival and then "attacked him, struck a 'blow' and blocked him with a heavy hit to the head that caused his death on the very rooftop."
Additionally, he claims that “Luisito ‘El Calvo’, as his neighbors and friends called him, was neither under the influence of any narcotics nor did he jump from the rooftop; he was simply murdered by the hitmen of the PNR.”
Fragments of videos recorded by a witness confirm that there was direct police intervention. The images show that the body was covered with a sheet while on the rooftop. In other words, this would confirm that it never fell.
"Avenida 70 between 13 and 15, Playa. I passed by there at 4 p.m. on my way back from my daughter's school and I was concerned about how close this is to my home. There was the operational guard, the DICO, and what worried me the most, a vehicle from the legal medicine department. All that presence doesn't just happen for no reason. Does anyone have information about what happened, please?" asked lawyer Manuel Viera on Facebook after posting a picture of an official vehicle.
As of the publication of this note, there is no detailed official version of what happened, and it's possible that there never will be.
The only confirmed fact is that, unfortunately, a young Cuban died under strange and controversial circumstances that would not reflect well on the Cuban police.
Frequently Asked Questions about the death of a young person in Havana and the impact of the "Químico"
What happened to the young man who died in Havana?
The young Cuban Luis Manuel Perdomo died under controversial circumstances in the Playa municipality of Havana. While some accounts suggest he was under the influence of the drug known as "the chemical," others point to police abuse as the cause of his death. Authorities have denied drug use, but have not provided a clear account of the events.
What is the official version regarding the young man's death?
The official version, reported by the state media Habana Noticias, indicates that the young man had mental health issues and denies that he was under the influence of drugs. However, no additional details about the incident have been provided, which creates confusion and distrust among the public.
What is "the chemical" and how does it affect Cuban youth?
"El químico" is an extremely potent and dangerous synthetic cannabinoid that has become popular among young Cubans due to its low cost and rapid effects. This drug has devastating effects on mental and physical health, increasing the risk of addiction, intoxications, and deaths from overdoses.
How has the community and the government responded to this incident in Havana?
The community has expressed a mix of outrage and distrust towards the official accounts, demanding transparency and justice for the deceased young man. Meanwhile, the Cuban government has attempted to deny the reports of police abuse and drug use, but has not provided a detailed and convincing explanation of the events.
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