Related videos:
In an unusual criminal incident that took place in the José Martí District of Santiago de Cuba, two young men were assaulted and robbed of their horse-drawn carriage, along with the animal, as reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
According to a witness, the attack occurred at the roundabout in the district, when the area was completely dark despite there being electricity at that time, which was unusual.
The attackers beat both young men, one around 15 years old and the other slightly older, before fleeing with the vehicle and the horse towards the area connecting to Micro 7.
The victims managed to escape and retrieve a backpack with the collected money, but they could not prevent the theft.
The post on Facebook sparked a wave of reactions of outrage and concern.
An elderly woman lamented that "surely that poor animal is already sold for meat."
A kitchen helper compared the situation in Cuba to the violence that El Salvador experienced before Nayib Bukele assumed the presidency: "I wonder how long this will last, how many people have to endure assaults, how many more victims are needed for this situation we're facing today to be resolved."
A university student warned that "the time is approaching when no one will be able to go out on the street, neither day nor night, because the owners of the street will be the criminals who roam freely and are untouchable."
From Miami, an emigrant celebrated that the boys were unharmed, but pointed out that the car has likely already been repainted and resold, and warned that the theft could lead to "settling scores."
Others criticized the authorities' inaction, stating that "a million things are happening and it's as if they are normal."
A neighbor summed up the general sentiment: "The crime is tremendous, and it's being seen every day. It keeps increasing... The criminals don't want to work and live off the sweat of others."
Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What happened in the assault on the young coach drivers in Santiago de Cuba?
Two young carriage drivers were assaulted and stripped of their horse-drawn carriage and the animal in the José Martí District of Santiago de Cuba. The assailants attacked the young men in a dark area, fleeing with the vehicle and the horse. The victims managed to recover a backpack with money, but could not prevent the theft of the carriage.
How has the population reacted to the increase in crime in Santiago de Cuba?
The population has expressed outrage and concern over the rising crime rate. The inaction of the authorities has elicited criticism and has led many citizens to take the law into their own hands, as seen with neighbors who have caught criminals in the act.
What is the situation of public safety in Cuba?
Citizen security in Cuba is facing a crisis with a troubling rise in criminal violence. The Cuban regime has acknowledged the increase in violent crimes and promised to apply exemplary trials against those responsible. However, the population still feels vulnerable and unprotected.
What measures are being taken to combat crime in Cuba?
Despite government promises to implement exemplary trials, citizens are denouncing the lack of effective actions by the authorities. People have started to organize on their own to apprehend criminals, reflecting a collective frustration with the current situation.
Filed under: