The Popular Municipal Court of San Antonio del Sur, in Guantánamo, issued a sentence of three years of imprisonment against a man accused of stealing two horses from a farm in the Playa Sabanalamar neighborhood.
According to the court ruling, the theft occurred on January 2, when the 34-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed, cut through a wire fence and took the animals, but was intercepted by the owner, neighbors, and agents of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) while trying to escape, reported the newspaper Venceremos.
In his escape, he dropped a backpack containing a knife, a rope, money, and his identification card, which facilitated his subsequent capture, the report specified.
At the oral and public hearing as part of case number 4 of 2025, the date of which was not specified, individuals under supervised release, representatives of mass organizations, and family members of the accused attended, in what the authorities described as a "deterrent trial" for the community, in order to "curb the increase of these incidents in the territory."
The court argued that the defendant, with no criminal record, exhibited "disordered civic behavior," was suspected of other property crimes, and maintained ties with individuals of "inappropriate conduct." It was also noted that he lacked stable employment and only worked occasionally on his father's farm.
In addition, as additional penalties, he was imposed the deprivation of public rights and a prohibition on leaving the national territory, both until the sentence is served; as well as the confiscation of the seized assets that were used in the commission of the act.
According to official figures, as of October 2024, more than 1,615 Cuban citizens have been sanctioned for behaviors related to the illegal slaughter of livestock and the trafficking of its meat.
In this regard, there has been growing concern among farmers in various areas amidst the impunity surrounding many of these crimes and in a context of food scarcity that leads to the theft and illegal slaughter of cattle to sell the meat in the informal market.
Citizen critiques
In the comments on the official platform Cubadebate, which reported on the news, several forum participants deemed the effectiveness of the punishment as "insufficient."
A user identified as Susana said: “Only three years? A man who broke in, stole, and fled. Really, three years... This is why we are in the situation we are in; the robberies and assaults will continue.”
Others went further: "For me, no less than 15 years, because if not, they keep stealing or something worse. They are people who ruin families," said an internet user. Concerns about recidivism were a recurring theme, with comments like the one from Del5: "He'll be out in two years for good behavior, doesn't work, and continues to steal until he kills someone."
Some reactions pointed to what they consider selectivity in Cuban justice. One person questioned, "For horse theft, they hold trials, so when will they do the same for those who steal motorcycles, commit assaults, or murder?" Even calling for the death penalty for serious cases.
Although the authorities insist on the "educational" nature of these criminal processes, as well as the subsequent political acts to return stolen goods to their owners, the public is calling for harsher penalties that would "scare real criminals."
In early April, it was revealed that the Provincial Court of Guantánamo issued a sentence of 20 years of imprisonment against a man accused of committing two violent assaults on motorcyclists in the city, within just a span of two days.
Social media and independent media report daily on thefts, assaults, and violent incidents, which have increased in a context of economic crisis and widespread scarcity, where many see crime as a means of survival.
The Cuban regime has acknowledged a , including the use of firearms. In this regard, it has promised to apply exemplary trials against those who commit offenses deemed serious, especially those occurring within state institutions.
The ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel recently stated that cases of violence, vandalism, and economic damage must be addressed “with total severity” and called for judicial responses to be “striking.”
The truth is that insecurity has taken hold of the Cuban reality, evident in various manifestations and without a clear limit in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cattle Theft in Cuba
What sentence did a man in Guantánamo receive for horse theft?
The man was sentenced to three years in prison for stealing two horses from a farm in the Playa Sabanalamar neighborhood, in the municipality of San Antonio del Sur. He was intercepted by the owner, neighbors, and the police while trying to flee, and dropped a backpack containing incriminating items, such as his identity card.
What is the current situation regarding cattle theft in Cuba?
Cattle theft is a growing problem in Cuba, with more than 9,000 people involved in crimes against large livestock in 2024. The shortage of food and the economic crisis have led to an increase in these crimes, severely impacting the country's economy and food security.
How is the Cuban government responding to the increase in livestock theft?
The Cuban regime has intensified legal actions and police operations to combat the theft and illegal slaughter of livestock. Exemplary trials have been conducted and severe penalties have been imposed to deter these activities, although citizens' criticisms suggest that the measures are not sufficiently effective.
What do citizens think about the penalties for cattle theft in Cuba?
Many people believe that the imposed sanctions are insufficient to stop these crimes. There is a call for harsher penalties that "really scare the criminals," as insecurity remains a growing concern on the island.
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