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Nelson Benites Torres, a 73-year-old man suffering from senile dementia, has been reported missing in Santiago de Cuba for over 48 hours.
According to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who reported on his profile on Facebook this Wednesday, the elderly man was last seen at the police station in the town of Boniato, and since he left there, he has not returned to his home nor has he contacted his family.
The situation is particularly concerning due to her medical condition and the lack of action from the authorities, who, according to her relatives, have been informed but “haven’t lifted a finger” to initiate her search.
Nelson was wearing a yellow sweater with a football emblem at the time of his disappearance and was not wearing a cap.
His relatives urgently seek help to find his whereabouts and have provided several contact numbers for anyone who may have information: +53 50066196, +53 5662629, or +53 54273857.
Cases like this, in which elderly individuals with cognitive conditions go missing without an immediate response from the institutional system, highlight a serious social vulnerability and the lack of protection that many Cuban families face when the State does not act with the urgency that the situation demands.
The search for missing persons in Cuba often falls into the hands of family members and ordinary citizens, who frequently turn to social media as their main tool for spreading alerts, due to the lack of an effective response from the authorities. This pattern is consistently observed in recent cases reported by independent media.
Recently, the disappearance of an elderly woman in the Boyeros municipality of Havana was reported, who had not been seen for more than a week. The family turned to digital platforms to seek help from the public, expressing their distrust in official channels.
The woman, who had health issues, was last seen on May 30, and her loved ones lamented the passivity of the police.
In another case reported in May, a missing minor in Matanzas was found alive thanks to tracking social media posts.
The case gained notoriety when it was revealed that a woman had facilitated the escape and was arrested by the police after being identified. Although it ended on a positive note, the crucial role was played by the users who shared the information, rather than by any preventive or immediate state action.
More recently, a man was reported missing in the eastern part of the country. His family also decided to turn to Facebook for help, emphasizing that "no one from the Ministry of the Interior has shown any interest" despite having filed a formal complaint. These cases highlight the widespread distrust of the population towards the institutions responsible for security.
Frequently Asked Questions about Elderly Disappearances in Cuba
Who is Nelson Benites Torres and what happened to him?
Nelson Benites Torres is a 73-year-old elderly man who suffers from senile dementia and has been reported missing in Santiago de Cuba. He was last seen at the police station in the town of Boniato, and since then, he has not returned home or contacted his family. His disappearance has raised concerns, especially due to the lack of action from the local authorities.
What measures have the families of the disappeared in Cuba taken in response to the government's inaction?
In the absence of an official response, families in Cuba turn to social media and independent media to seek help and raise awareness about their missing relatives. Contact numbers are shared, and the community is asked to assist in the search. This strategy has become common due to the authorities' inefficiency in acting swiftly and effectively.
Why are disappearances of elderly people with dementia common in Cuba?
The disappearances of elderly individuals with dementia in Cuba are common due to several factors, among which the lack of necessary medications to stabilize these patients stands out. Without the proper treatment, episodes of disorientation and forgetfulness increase, making them more vulnerable to getting lost. Additionally, the absence of an effective official channel to report and search for missing persons worsens the situation.
How can Cuban citizens help in cases of disappearance?
Cuban citizens can help by sharing information on social media, being aware of their surroundings, and contacting families or authorities if they have any leads on the whereabouts of the missing. Solidarity and community support are crucial in the face of governmental inaction. People are encouraged to contribute in any way possible to locate the missing.
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