"She recognized me and spoke clearly": Mother of journalist attacked in Santiago de Cuba discusses his current condition

Enrique Pérez Fumero showed signs of recovery after being brutally beaten in Santiago de Cuba. His mother confirmed that he can now recognize people, cooperate, and has started to take in liquids.

Enrique Pérez FumeroPhoto © Facebook / Enrique Pérez Fumero

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Journalist and university professor Enrique Pérez Fumero, known as Kiki to his friends, is beginning to show signs of recovery after the brutal assault he suffered early last Sunday morning in Santiago de Cuba, an event that has sparked strong outrage within the intellectual and journalistic community on the island.

This Tuesday, journalist Cuscó Tarradell shared an uplifting update on Pérez Fumero's health on Facebook.

Facebook Capture / Cuscó Tarradell - Current Affairs

According to the report, the communicator's mother, Teresa, stated that her son "recognized me, spoke clearly to me, cooperated a lot with his transfer to that province, and starting today he can gradually begin to consume liquids."

The transfer to the hospital in Las Tunas allowed for a computed axial tomography to more accurately assess the neurological sequelae of the attack.

Pérez was violently beaten at the intersection of Barnada and San Mateo, in the historic center of Santiago de Cuba, by a group of individuals who have not yet been identified or apprehended.

The attack, whose brutality has been described as savage by family members and colleagues, left the journalist seriously injured.

According to the original report published by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, Pérez had severe cranial trauma, multiple facial injuries, and a fracture at the base of the skull that left him in critical condition.

Since his admission to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, he has been treated by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons and specialists who managed to stabilize him.

According to reports, this Tuesday the family managed to arrange their transfer to Las Tunas to continue with more complex evaluations.

On the night of this Monday, Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo, provincial president of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) in Santiago de Cuba, stated that the communicator is "clinically stable within a serious condition."

Facebook Capture / Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo

Cuban authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the case, despite the seriousness of the events and the journalist's public profile.

On social media, journalists, professors, and activists have demanded justice, transparency, and protection for communicators working in increasingly hostile environments.

Enrique Pérez Fumero is recognized for his teaching work and for his practice of journalism at the official station CMKC.

His brutal beating to steal his phone, wallet, and a pair of shoes has reignited the debate over public safety in Santiago de Cuba. However, initial reports indicated that it could be an act of homophobia.

Meanwhile, her mother, steadfast and hopeful, supports the medical process at every step. The improvement, though slow, is welcomed with relief by her family and close circle.

"Kiki" is still in recovery, but the message this Tuesday—indicating that he was able to recognize, speak, and drink liquids—is the first of many that fuels hope.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Assault on Journalist Enrique Pérez Fumero in Santiago de Cuba

What is Enrique Pérez Fumero's current health status after the assault?

Enrique Pérez Fumero is starting to show signs of recovery. According to the update provided by his mother, he can now recognize, speak, and start to ingest liquids. He has been transferred to Las Tunas for more complex evaluations.

What were the consequences of the aggression suffered by the journalist in Santiago de Cuba?

Enrique Pérez Fumero suffered a severe skull trauma, multiple facial injuries, a fracture at the base of the skull, and cerebral hemorrhages, which has him in critical condition. His recovery is slow, but he is showing signs of improvement.

What has happened to the aggressors of Enrique Pérez Fumero?

So far, the attackers have not been identified or apprehended. The violence of the attack, which included the theft of their belongings, has generated strong outrage and calls for justice from the journalistic community and society at large.

What has been the response of the Cuban authorities to the attack on the journalist?

The Cuban authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the case. This silence has been criticized by journalists and activists, who demand transparency and effective measures to protect communicators on the island.

How has the community reacted to the attack on Enrique Pérez Fumero?

The intellectual and journalistic community of Cuba has expressed a strong indignation and has demanded justice and protection for journalists. The aggression has highlighted the increasing insecurity in Santiago de Cuba and the lack of effective response from the government.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.