A children's wrestling competition ended in a massive brawl among the parents of the competitors at the Alejandro Urgellés Multipurpose Room in Santiago de Cuba, where the 60th edition of the National School Games is being held.
According to reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his social media, this Saturday parents, with heightened emotions, sparked a dispute that forced the competition to be halted.
Eyewitnesses informed Mayeta that it all started because one of the fathers, after his son lost, began to insult the opponent and their family. The father of the winner responded, and a heated argument escalated into a fight.
They were already pulling out knives and everything, I don't understand why they came to this place with weapons, if it was a competition for children," commented the source to the reporter.
In the midst of the confrontation, one of the parents took out a spray can and threw it. Although the people scattered to avoid being hit, some children were affected. Three were taken to the North Children's Hospital due to shortness of breath, Mayeta specified.
"There were parents washing their children's faces, and even a man looking for a file to continue the fight," he noted.
The video shared by the reporter on Facebook reveals the chaos that took over the children's event. Amid the commotion, the referees can be heard shouting at the parents and threatening to suspend the match if they did not calm down.
Despite that, the fight not only continued but also spilled outside the venue.
Dozens of internet users condemned the violence at the scene and wondered why a space for children ended up that way. Most agreed that many Cubans were responding with violence in all contexts.
"Cubans are shameful; they resolve everything with violence, noise, and machetes. Wherever they go, it's chaos. In a children's competition, the parents create this chaos. Keep it up, and they will end up very, very badly, it's a war about everything and they lack the guts to go out on the street to demand freedom for Cuba," one commented.
How sad for those children to see their parents fighting. They were happily putting on a show so that their parents would feel happy, wrote another person.
The incident recalls another violent episode that occurred last year in Havana, when a brawl erupted at a teen event near the Finca de los Monos.
The images revealed the presence of armed gangs with machetes and individuals injured by bladed weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions about Violence at Events and Its Impact in Cuba
What happened at the children's wrestling event in Santiago de Cuba?
A children's wrestling competition ended in a fight between the parents of the competitors. Tempers flared when one parent insulted his son's opponent and their family, triggering a dispute that turned violent. There was the use of knives and pepper spray, affecting some children who had to be taken to the hospital.
What is the current situation of violence in Cuba?
Violence in Cuba has significantly increased in recent years. Violent incidents are reported in various contexts, from sporting events to everyday situations, reflecting a deep social and economic crisis. The government has acknowledged the rise in crime, but substantial improvements in security have not been observed.
How does the economic crisis affect violence in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has exacerbated social violence. The shortage of food and basic goods has led to desperate situations, such as fights at agricultural fairs and markets. The lack of resources and opportunities heightens social tension and contributes to small altercations escalating into violent episodes.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the increase in violence?
The Cuban government has implemented control operations and acknowledged the issue of violence. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questioned, as the perception of insecurity remains high among the population. The lack of official data and clear protocols exacerbates the problem, limiting the capacity for response.
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