A young man identified as Víctor Ángel Rodríguez Martí, known to his friends as Angelito, died in custody at the Second Unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) in Santiago de Cuba, amid strong allegations of a beating carried out by officers.
The report was made on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who personally knew the deceased and has publicly demanded justice.
According to the testimony of the communicator, Ángel's body was handed over to the family with visible bruises and injuries on various parts of the body, including a significant injury to the head.
Although profiles associated with the government claimed he died of "natural causes," family members and neighbors are skeptical of this version, especially after a detainee who shared a cell with Ángel stated that he was the victim of a beating inside the detention center, allegedly by a captain from the very unit.
Mayeta Labrada indicated that the young man suffered from diabetes and did not receive proper medical attention, despite having lost consciousness on several occasions. However, she asserts that the true cause of death was the injuries sustained.
Forced autopsy and official silence
Initially, the deceased's mother refused to authorize an autopsy, but she was convinced by other family members in the hope of clarifying what happened. Despite this, the police have not provided a detailed or transparent explanation of the events.
The journalist also reported that profiles and pages aligned with the regime have attempted to defame the young man to justify his death, portraying him as a repeat offender. Although Ángel had previously served time for common crimes, “that did not give anyone the right to kill him,” the communicator emphasized.
A case that is not isolated
The death of Ángel Rodríguez Martí is not an isolated incident. In recent years, human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuse, beatings, and even deaths in police custody in Cuba, often without legal consequences for those involved.
"As long as Cuba remains under this regime, Ángel will not be the last," warned Mayeta Labrada, who also expressed her gratitude for the public support and reiterated that she will continue to raise awareness about the case through her media and social networks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Police Abuse and Deaths in Custody in Cuba
How did Víctor Ángel Rodríguez Martí die?
Víctor Ángel Rodríguez Martí died in police custody, with reports indicating that he was a victim of brutal beatings by officers at the Second Unit of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) in Santiago de Cuba. His body was handed over to his family with visible bruises, contradicting the official version that he died of "natural causes."
Is police violence common in Cuba?
Yes, police violence in Cuba is not an isolated incident. In recent years, multiple cases of abuse and deaths in police custody have been documented. Human rights organizations have highlighted these patterns of violence and the lack of legal consequences for those responsible as a serious problem in the country.
How has the Cuban government responded to allegations of police abuse?
The Cuban government has remained silent in the face of many reports of police abuse and, in some cases, has attempted to discredit the victims or justify the deaths as "natural causes." This lack of transparency and accountability has drawn criticism both domestically and abroad.
What role do independent journalists play in Cuba?
Independent journalists in Cuba, like Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, are vital for bringing to light cases of abuse and violence that the regime tries to conceal. These journalists publicly denounce human rights violations and seek justice for the victims, often facing reprisals and defamation from the government.
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