The Minister of Transportation of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, has spoken out after a brutal act of physical violence against an elderly woman went viral, whom he identified as being hired by the state company Taxis-Cuba.
Although Rodríguez Dávila did not name the assailant, he did specify that it is a professional driver of a classic car (Gran Car), affiliated with Agency 9 of Taxis-Cuba in Havana.
He also indicated that the victim was “an elderly woman with a disability, the aunt of his wife.”
It is unclear whether the driver's wife is the other woman appearing in the images.
The official source indicated that the incident, recorded on video by witnesses, occurred on March 31.
"Physical mistreatment and abuse are never justified in any circumstance."
In a public statement released on Facebook this Saturday, the head of the department expressed his strongest disapproval of what occurred.
The minister described the aggression as not only an ethical violation but also a regulatory one, indicating that the driver committed two serious labor violations.
"The driver violated obligation 2.2.18 related to compliance with social conduct standards. Additionally, he breached article 7.7 regarding disturbance of public order while providing service on the road," stated the minister.
As a consequence, the company Taxis-Cuba terminated the employment contract of the individual involved following an extraordinary disciplinary council, in the presence of the aggressor and agency executives.
The note states that "the decision regarding Taxis-Cuba was made after an analysis, in the presence of the driver, at the extraordinary disciplinary council in which Joel Baro Denis, director of Agency 9; Ana Gloria Chang, general secretary of the Gran Car union section; and Carlos Alberto Santiesteban, general secretary of the base union section, participated."
Furthermore, he reported that the driver was handed over to the police authorities to face legal consequences.
“The driver was taken to the unit of the National Revolutionary Police. Mistreatment and physical abuse are unjustifiable in any case,” Rodríguez Dávila emphasized.
The head of Transport praised the exemplary behavior of the majority of the workers at Taxis-Cuba, noting that many perform sensitive roles, such as transporting patients with serious illnesses.
"The management of Taxis-Cuba has handed the case over to the authorities and expresses its total rejection of behaviors like these that damage the company's reputation and shared values," it concluded.
The video that sparked public outrage
The case gained notoriety in recent hours after a viral video on social media showed the driver delivering two violent slaps to an elderly woman in the back of a convertible, typical of those used for tourist rides in Havana.
In the images, originally shared by the platform Cubanos por el Mundo, it was seen how at one moment, when the elderly woman seemed restless, the man grabbed her by the hair and struck her.
Some witnesses reacted with shouts of "Abuser!", although most did nothing to stop the aggression, which has also been criticized by internet users.
The scene generated a wave of comments on social media demanding justice and the identification of the aggressor through the vehicle's license plate, which has ultimately happened.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aggression Against an Elderly Woman in Havana and Transportation in Cuba
What measures were taken after the attack by the Taxis-Cuba driver on an elderly woman in Havana?
The driver's employment contract was terminated and handed over to the police authorities to face legal consequences for his assault on an elderly woman with a disability. The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, expressed his condemnation of this act of violence and emphasized that the driver's behavior violated social conduct norms and disrupted public order.
How has the company Taxis-Cuba reacted to the incident?
Taxis-Cuba canceled the contract of the driver involved in the incident following an extraordinary disciplinary council. The company expressed its absolute rejection of behaviors that damage its reputation and emphasized its commitment to the good conduct of its employees.
What is the current situation of public transportation in Cuba?
Public transportation in Cuba faces multiple challenges such as a lack of fuel, poorly maintained vehicles, and long wait times for users. These issues reflect a widespread economic crisis and poor state management, daily impacting citizens who rely on this service for their transportation needs.
How is violence in Cuban public transportation being addressed?
Violence in Cuban public transportation is a recurring problem, as evidenced by the recent case of an assault on an elderly woman. Although authorities have taken disciplinary measures in specific cases, the ineffectiveness of the police in responding to emergencies remains a concern, creating a perception of insecurity and neglect, especially for women and individuals in vulnerable situations.
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