Student assaulted in Santiago de Cuba: “It happened in front of dozens of people who did not intervene or react.”

An armed man robbed a medical student at the Calle 4 terminal, a location identified as one of the most unsafe in Santiago de Cuba due to the frequent occurrence of thefts and assaults.

Transport in Santiago de Cuba (Reference image)Photo © CiberCuba

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In view of dozens of people, Dariannis Ramírez Rodríguez, a fifth-year medical student and resident of the Songo-La Maya municipality, fell victim to a robbery at the Calle 4 terminal, known in Santiago de Cuba as one of the most unsafe places for those needing to take transportation.

The journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada echoed this Tuesday on Facebook the complaint made by his father, Eminaldo Ramírez Mustelier.

Facebook Capture / Yosmany Mayeta Labrada

According to her account, the attacker snatched the phone from her by reaching into her purse and threatened her with a sharp weapon, demanding silence.

No one intervened, even though the scene occurred in broad daylight and in front of numerous witnesses, emphasized the victim's father.

“Today it was a phone, but it could have been my daughter’s life,” expressed Ramírez indignantly, emphasizing that what is at stake is the safety of citizens in a context where violence is gaining ground.

The father made a direct appeal to the political, judicial, and police authorities of Santiago de Cuba, asking how much longer crime would be allowed to operate with complete impunity in public spaces.

This incident adds to a series of previous reports indicating that the terminal on Calle 4 is a persistent hotspot for muggings and thefts, with no effective response from the authorities so far.

The insecurity in Santiago de Cuba has reached alarming levels, with a series of violent incidents that reflect a troubling lack of citizen protection. In the José Martí district, two young carriage drivers fell victim to a violent assault in complete darkness, during which they were beaten and robbed of their horse-drawn carriage. Although they managed to escape, the incident sparked criticism regarding the passivity of the authorities in the face of the growing wave of crime.

In recent days, a knife attack left two people injured on the streets of Santiago, intensifying widespread fear.

Witnesses reported that the attackers acted with complete impunity in a busy area, with no police presence or immediate response.

In another recent case, an armed thief was captured by neighbors in the Agüero-Mar Verde area and tied to a post in plain sight.

The individual, who had attempted to steal while threatening with a knife, was detained by residents due to the ineffectiveness of the authorities, who took more than an hour to arrive at the scene.

This type of community justice reflects a loss of trust in the institutions responsible for maintaining order.

Moreover, an assault on the Community Services headquarters sparked public outrage after six armed individuals attacked the guards and made off with more than five million pesos.

The victims publicly reported that the incident left the workers without wages, and they demanded immediate responses that never came.

It was also reported about the murder of a security guard at the Nuevo Mundo cooperative, in Dos Caminos, allegedly by thieves trying to steal a mule.

The victim was brutally attacked, and according to reports, one of the alleged assailants lived nearby, which heightened fear among the residents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Insecurity and Crime in Santiago de Cuba

Why is the terminal on Calle 4 in Santiago de Cuba considered unsafe?

The terminal on Calle 4 is known for being one of the most unsafe places in Santiago de Cuba due to the frequency of muggings and thefts. Citizens have repeatedly reported the lack of effective response from institutions to these criminal incidents.

How has the community responded to the increase in crime in Santiago de Cuba?

The community has chosen to take justice into its own hands due to police inefficiency. In several instances, citizens have captured and detained suspected thieves, reflecting a pattern of desperation and frustration over the lack of security and prevailing impunity.

What are the consequences of citizens taking matters into their own hands in response to crime?

Acting on your own against crime carries significant risks, such as the possibility of violent confrontations and the perpetuation of extrajudicial justice practices. These actions reflect the desperation of citizens, but they can also lead to dangerous situations and a deterioration of public order.

What is the role of the authorities in the face of the increasing insecurity in Santiago de Cuba?

Authorities have been criticized for their inaction and lack of effective response to the rise in crime in Santiago de Cuba. The population has expressed its discontent over the lack of patrolling and preventive measures, which has led many to question the effectiveness of the justice system on the island.

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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.