A shocking video is circulating on social media showing a group of young people, many of whom are minors, armed with machetes in the midst of an alleged confrontation between gangs in the central Boulevard de San Rafael in Centro Habana.
The images, initially shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta, show dozens of teenagers—both girls and boys—running at full speed along the shopping street, in what appears to be a chaotic stampede triggered by the confrontation.
“The Boulevard of Havana is lively at this hour, 3:06 AM, with young gang members armed with machetes,” the reporter based in Washington first wrote on Facebook.
Shortly after the publication, the video was released.
Towards the end of the recording, where no injured individuals are seen although there is much commotion, at least four police officers can be seen arriving at the scene.
As of the close of this note, no official information regarding the incident has been released.
What is clear is that the images have generated a wave of reactions on social media, with over 880 comments so far, reflecting a mix of fear, outrage, and citizen fatigue.
"They give shame, disgust, fear."
“I am left in shock seeing what is happening in our Cuba and nobody holds those criminals accountable”; “My country has turned into a jungle. It’s frightening, disgusting, shameful”; “We live in constant fear when our kids are out on the street”; these are some comments.
A large portion of the comments called for a firm hand to address the rising youth crime in Cuba, which is now increasingly burdened by drug issues.
Many also referred to the need in Cuba for a figure like Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, who in recent years has become a symbol of a tough stance against crime
"They should be sent to the CECOT. That's where their bravado would come to an end"; "What Cuba needs is a Bukele who will truly bring order," commented just two of the dozens of commentators who shared similar ideas.
However, the criticism not only targets violence but also what is considered a collapse of values on the island.
"It hurts to see the youth wasting the only good thing they have: life"; "So much energy for bravado, but not for studying or working," express two comments that sum up this sentiment.
For many, the most painful part is that "the real handsome men are watching Turkish soap operas, while those on the street show off with machetes to feel important."
Fury against police inaction: “And where is the police?”
Almost all the comments agree on a fierce criticism of the absence of law enforcement, highlighting a slowness in the response that would be unheard of if just one person were holding a sign against the government.
"That lasted for minutes and no patrol showed up"; "Take out a 'Homeland and Life' sign and you have 30 police around you. But with these, not a single one"; "They do harass vendors of produce, but they fear the gang members," some complained.
"This is just the beginning, and the worst is yet to come," declared a disillusioned Cuban bitterly.
As of the closure of this note, the mystery surrounding the puzzling and concerning scene persists.
Frequently Asked Questions about Young People Facing Off with Machetes in Havana
What happened in the confrontation on San Rafael Boulevard?
A group of young people, many of whom are minors, was involved in an armed confrontation with machetes on the central Boulevard de San Rafael in Havana, causing chaos and alarm among passersby.
What has been the reaction on social media regarding the confrontation in Havana?
The dissemination of the video of the confrontation has generated a wave of reactions on social media, with comments of fear, outrage, and criticism of police inaction. Many users expressed their desire for a more forceful intervention against juvenile crime in Cuba.
How is crime affecting the perception of safety in Cuba?
The rising youth crime, accompanied by the use of drugs and weapons, has deteriorated the perception of safety among Cuban citizens. The lack of effective action by the authorities has led the population to express their frustration and fear.
What has been said about the role of the police in these incidents of youth violence?
Criticism of the police is constant, as there is a perception of inaction or delayed response to youth violence and other crimes in Cuba. Citizens believe there is a lack of effective intervention in incidents such as the one on San Rafael Boulevard.
What measures are suggested to address juvenile delinquency in Cuba?
Many citizens suggest the need to implement stricter and more effective policies against juvenile delinquency, similar to those applied in other countries, as well as to address underlying causes such as the lack of educational and employment opportunities for young people.
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