Eighteen individuals were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 4 to 8 years for their involvement in the violent altercations that occurred last year on the outskirts of the Finca de los Monos Technology Park in Havana, as reported this Thursday by the Provincial People's Court of the capital.
One defendant received 3 years of correctional work without internment due to his mental health condition, while another was sentenced to 7 years, also without internment, considering his behavior deemed positive both before and after the incidents, emphasized the official statement released by the Cuban Television Information System.
During the trial, which took place over two days, documentary, witness, and expert evidence were presented, in addition to the statements of the accused and the closing arguments of the prosecution and the defense.
The court determined that the events constituted offenses of public disorder and illegal possession and carrying of weapons or explosives. It asserted that the defendants acted with the intent to harm the physical integrity of others and to instill fear among the crowd gathered at the event, where there was a high concentration of minors.
The authorities indicated that the sentences were imposed taking into account the age of the defendants and their individual level of involvement in the events.
During the hearing, the Prosecutor's Office reported that investigations into other possible involved parties remain temporarily archived, allowing them to be reopened if new evidence emerges.
The ruling is not yet final, and the parties have the right to file a cassation appeal with the Supreme People's Court once the written decision is notified.
The statement asserted that behaviors like these "do not align with the values and principles of the nation," and that while the system prioritizes education and reintegration, this does not imply impunity or a lack of severe legal response.
According to the official portal Cubadebate, the judicial process began last Tuesday at the Provincial People's Court of Havana, exactly one year after the disturbances.
In its preliminary indictment, the Prosecutor's Office charged the crimes of public disorder and illegal possession and carrying of weapons or explosives.
In total, seven defendants remained in provisional custody at the start of the trial, two faced charges related to events occurring after the disturbances, and eleven appeared free.
The state media insisted that the process was conducted in accordance with "the guarantees and procedural rights" of the accused, in a narrative aimed at protecting the image of the Cuban judicial system against potential questions regarding the severity and motivations behind the sentences.
What happened during the riots at the Monkey Farm?
The events for which the accused were convicted occurred on June 8, 2024, during a cultural activity for teenagers organized around the Finca de los Monos, in the Cerro municipality of Havana.
The event was promoted as part of the "Start of Youth Summer 2024" program, an initiative by Klatus Creativo with the support of the municipal government and broadcast on state television, although later the authorities stated that it was not officially approved.
What was meant to be a recreational day ended in a violent fight between groups of young people, some armed with machetes and sharp objects, causing chaos, injuries, and fear among the attendees, many of whom were minors.
While the initial official reports mentioned only two injuries that were not serious, leaked videos on social media showed a much graver scene, with mass confrontations and chaos in public spaces.
Later, the official spokesperson Humberto López acknowledged that at least six people were injured, although unverified reports mentioned the possibility of fatalities, a claim that was denied by the authorities.
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