Water tanks intended for poor families in eastern Cuba have been stolen from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center

Water tanks at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center (CMLK), primarily intended for impoverished families in eastern Cuba, were stolen amid a context of increasing impunity, while the police claim to be investigating.

The complaint was made by Yuliet Teresa Villares Parejo, Communications Coordinator of the CMLK, who alerted through her profile on Facebook about the theft of the containers, which are unique and the property of the institution based in the municipality of Marianao, in Havana.

He explained that the tanks were intended for donations to families in very difficult situations, primarily in the eastern part of the country, for whom a resource like this literally represents life and hope.

The popular communicator also urged the public not to buy the tanks under any circumstances and provided contact numbers for anyone who has information that could assist in their recovery.

He also pointed out that "the police are already investigating."

Reactions on social media were swift. Many expressed outrage over the level of impunity and the rise in thefts.

"When they come to take measures, it's too late; the theft is constant, they are lurking every day... the police do not show up," commented Rosabel Manso Ruiz, reflecting a sentiment shared by several users.

Others lamented the loss due to the direct impact on the most disadvantaged families. "The criminals respect nothing," said Jarocha Reyes Vega, while Mercedes Echemendía exclaimed, "How much longer will this impunity continue!"

Founded in 1987, the CMLK is a Cuban ecumenical organization with Christian inspiration that promotes emancipatory values. It is inspired by Liberation Theology and is dedicated to the promotion of human rights, equality, and popular education.

Cuban citizens have expressed their growing concern about the rise in crime in various areas of the country, particularly violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight.

These types of incidents fuel the debate on citizen security in Cuba, where many citizens feel increasingly vulnerable in the face of criminals' impunity.

The day before, it was revealed that a wave of assaults carried out by a group of teenagers is leaving the residents of the Yarayó neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba on edge, who are reporting the impunity with which a gang of minors aged between 15 and 16 years operates.

Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that the group operates on the street known as El Fuego, a common spot for informal trade, where several thefts have occurred during the early morning hours.

In the early morning of Sunday, August 4, journalist and Doctor of Science Enrique Pérez Fumero, an employee of the official broadcaster CMKC and university professor, was the victim of a brutal beating in Santiago de Cuba during an assault.

Authorities arrested six men two days later involved in the murder of a guard and the near-fatal assault of another during a robbery at an agricultural cooperative in the municipality of Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba.

A young Cuban teacher reported the violent assault she experienced near her home on the night of August 8, just before her 30th birthday.

Similarly, the Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, reported the theft of her neighbors' Lada in Havana and requested assistance to locate it.

In recent days, the renowned audiovisual filmmaker and social activist Lizette Vila was a victim of a burglary at her home located in the Reparto Nuevo Vedado, in Havana, during the early hours of last Saturday.

One or two individuals had entered the premises and stolen numerous valuable items, explained communicator Sergio E. Cabrera, general coordinator of the Palomas Project, an Audiovisual Production House for Social Activism, led by Vila.

In contrast, the Adalberto Álvarez y su Son orchestra recovered the musical instruments and equipment that were stolen days earlier at the iconic Salón Rosado de La Tropical, in Havana, confirmed Brayan Álvarez, pianist, son of the late "Caballero del Son" and current director of the group.

The Cuban government has acknowledged a worrying increase in criminal violence on the island, including the use of firearms. In this regard, it has promised to apply exemplary trials against those who commit crimes deemed serious, particularly those occurring within state institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Theft of Water Tanks in Cuba