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An almost 70-year-old farmer was tortured and murdered in his home on June 4, in the rural village of Quintoque, located at kilometer 36 of the highway connecting Songo-La Maya to Guantánamo, as reported this Friday by the independent media Cubanet.
The attackers reportedly took advantage of the fact that Agustín Pellicer Charón lived alone to assault him and then attempted to conceal his body under some wooden planks, according to his neighbors, who found him the following morning. In addition to the murder, they stole around 15 head of cattle.
Local authorities have arrested at least six individuals connected to the crime, but most were released due to a lack of evidence.
The elderly man was allegedly tortured, tied up by his hands and feet, and beaten to death.
According to Cubanet, the nature of the injuries and the way the body was handled suggest the involvement of several individuals.
Three weeks after the murder of Agustín Pellicer, no formal suspects have been presented and there are no significant developments in the investigation, which increases the perception of impunity among the rural population.
This situation has created a climate of fear in the community, where neighbors express their intention to leave the area due to insecurity.
This case reflects a broader problem in the region: the increase in violence related to theft and illegal slaughter of large cattle. Santiago de Cuba records the highest rate of murders related to this crime, with 38 cases reported between November and December 2024.
The issue affects several provinces and municipalities, severely impacting the agricultural sector and creating insecurity among farmers.
The lack of effective protection has led many farmers to sell their livestock and abandon rural activities, weakening the social fabric of rural Cuba.
According to unofficial data, hundreds of cases of illegal cattle slaughter have been reported in just the first half of 2025, although official figures are not disclosed.
Although the government has outlined an action plan that includes patrols in neighborhoods and the reactivation of watch posts and rural patrols, the consulted ranchers warn that the announced measures have little impact unless the shortages of supplies, animal feed, fuel, and, above all, the exemplary punishment of the organized networks engaged in illegal slaughter and clandestine commercialization are addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Violence and Cattle Theft in Cuba
What happened to the 70-year-old farmer in Santiago de Cuba?
A nearly 70-year-old farmer was tortured and murdered in his home on June 4 in the rural town of Quintoque, Santiago de Cuba. The attackers took advantage of the fact that he lived alone to assault him and conceal his body. Additionally, they stole 15 heads of livestock. The lack of progress in the investigation has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the community.
How does cattle theft affect the rural economy in Cuba?
The illegal theft and sacrifice of livestock is severely impacting the agricultural sector in Cuba, causing many farmers to choose to sell their livestock and abandon rural activities. The lack of protection and impunity are factors that exacerbate insecurity in rural areas, affecting the agricultural economy and the country's food security.
What measures has the Cuban government implemented to address violence and cattle theft?
The Cuban government has outlined an action plan that includes patrols in neighborhoods and the reactivation of CDR watch squads and rural patrols. However, these measures are viewed as insufficient due to the lack of supplies, feed for livestock, fuel, and the absence of exemplary punishment for organized networks.
What is the impact of illegal livestock slaughter on the Cuban population?
The illegal sacrifice of livestock has resulted in a widespread practice that severely affects agricultural production and food security in Cuba. The meat obtained illegally continues to feed the black market, and government measures have failed to stop this phenomenon, leading to distrust and insecurity among the rural and urban population.
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