A new case of police repression has sparked outrage on social media following the violent arrest of a teenager in Martí Park in the municipality of Güines, in the Cuban province of Mayabeque.
The young man, identified as Kevin Millares, was arrested by agents of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) while attempting to sell root vegetables to make a living.
According to a complaint published by a user on Facebook, the detained individual is a teenage orphan and is well-known in the community for his exemplary behavior.
"Those who know him know that Kevin Millares is a person of good social conduct who was only selling prepared meals, which are not stolen, in order to survive," the testimony states.
The police intervention was described as an act of harassment and abuse of power. The video shows the young man pleading to be released so he can speak, while he is violently subdued by the officers. He is facing charges of "contempt of authority," a charge frequently used by Cuban authorities to justify arbitrary detentions.
The community has reported the selective repression by the police who, according to residents, ignore the regular presence of vendors of the so-called "kimiko" (synthetic drugs), while acting harshly against young people trying to make an honest living.
The complainant describes the incident as a clear example of the use of force against the most vulnerable.
This episode adds to a long list of incidents that reflect the actions of the repressive apparatus of the Cuban regime, especially in a context of a severe economic crisis where many citizens, including minors, turn to the informal economy as their only means of survival.
Frequently Asked Questions about Repression and Informal Economy in Cuba
Why was the young Kevin Millares arrested in Güines?
Kevin Millares was arrested for attempting to sell food in the Martí Park of Güines. Despite being a young orphan with good social conduct, the police violently detained him on charges of "contempt of authority," a measure frequently used in Cuba to justify arbitrary arrests.
What is the Cuban regime's stance on the informal economy?
The Cuban regime has a policy of repression against the informal economy, as evidenced by the detention of street vendors. The authorities carry out operations to eliminate informal trade, despite the fact that this sector addresses the shortcomings of the official distribution system, especially in vulnerable communities.
How does police repression manifest in Cuba?
Police repression in Cuba manifests through violent and arbitrary detentions of citizens trying to survive through the informal economy or peacefully protesting. Cases of police abuse are frequent, and often, the police act with impunity while ignoring actual crime.
What do Cuban citizens think about these arrests?
The Cuban population, particularly on social media, often expresses outrage and rejection towards these arrests. Claims of injustice and abuse of power by the authorities are raised, highlighting the desperation of a people facing a profound economic crisis and lack of basic resources.
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