Psychiatric patient barricades himself in apartment and holds his mother hostage in Santiago de Cuba

The man would be barricaded in his home with his mother, whom he does not allow to leave.


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A patient with schizophrenia would have locked his mother inside the apartment they share in the Micro 7 extension, in the José Martí District of Santiago de Cuba.

According to information recently shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, an ambulance and a patrol were dispatched to the location, but so far the authorities have not been able to access the residence.

A neighbor from the area reported: "They have been thinking for an hour about how to access the second floor of the staircase where the ambulance is located to extract a psychiatric patient who has his mother locked up."

The sick individual, known in the area as "Chago," has reportedly been involved in similar episodes in the past when he becomes unbalanced.

Witnesses report that the situation is recurring due to the lack of access to necessary medications to treat their illness.

"If they know there are no medications, why do they let him out of Jagua? This is a patient who opens bullets, does not let anyone go up or down the stairs. It is unknown if the mother is alive inside because he hits her. And they still haven't gone in," expressed another concerned source.

The communicator made an urgent call to the authorities of Santiago de Cuba to act promptly in this case and to take definitive measures regarding psychiatric patients who do not have access to adequate treatment for their illnesses.

As long as these individuals remain on the streets without their medication, they pose a serious danger not only to their families but also to the community.

As of the closing of this report, there is no additional information regarding the incident, which is currently ongoing.

In the comments section of the post, a growing number of internet users urge the authorities to act as soon as possible to prevent a tragedy, suggesting entry through the courtyard or the adjacent balcony.

"They're not getting involved because they don't care what happens to that mother at the hands of her son... If it were something else against the government, they would have been inside a long time ago, forget about it," commented one observer.

"If he were an opponent, they would tear the roof off the building," reiterated another.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Frequently Asked Questions About the Mental Health Crisis in Cuba

Why is the lack of medications for psychiatric patients in Cuba critical?

The lack of medications for psychiatric patients in Cuba is critical as it exacerbates their conditions, increasing the risk of violent episodes that can endanger not only the patients themselves but also their families and communities. The scarcity of essential drugs to treat mental illnesses has led to extreme situations, such as assaults and dangerous behaviors due to the decompensation of patients.

What actions have the authorities taken in response to psychiatric crisis situations?

Authorities have been criticized for their delays and ineffectiveness in responding to psychiatric crisis situations, such as the lack of swift intervention in incidents where patients have exhibited dangerous behaviors. This has raised concerns about public safety and the protection of patients' human rights. Additionally, they have not implemented effective measures to ensure the supply of necessary medications.

What measures have families taken to cope with the lack of treatment for psychiatric patients?

Due to the lack of medications, some families have chosen to build improvised cells within their homes to manage patients during critical episodes. This measure reflects the desperation and lack of available options to protect patients and their families. Families face difficult decisions to ensure safety in their homes.

What recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the mental health crisis in Cuba?

Several recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the mental health crisis in Cuba, such as the case of a psychiatric patient who barricaded himself in his apartment and took his mother hostage in Santiago de Cuba. These incidents illustrate the ongoing risk due to the lack of access to appropriate treatments, with dangerous consequences for both patients and the community.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.