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A violent attack that occurred this Sunday in the José Martí District in Santiago de Cuba resulted in two people injured with bladed weapons and a "substantial" amount of money stolen, according to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The victims had been contacted by the perpetrators via Facebook, under the promise of selling them approximately 1,300 euros. The alleged transaction ended in an ambush where the buyers were attacked and stripped of currency, jewelry, and belongings.
One of the victims sustained minor injuries, while another was stabbed in the rib area, and their health status has not been officially confirmed.
Mayeta Labrada detailed that one of the assailants, identified as Yurisaner Arias Rivaio, alias "Malvino", was initially captured and transported in a horse-drawn cart toward the police station. However, a group of accomplices armed with machetes, sticks, and knives forcefully rescued him, forcing the march to stop to facilitate his escape.
Facebook/Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
Among those sought by the authorities are also Osniel, son of Yoel “el Kende”, an individual known as “Bemba”, and Livan Jesús, nicknamed “the Robin Hood of the Robbers,” who is accused of snatching a chain from one of the victims during the chaos. Additionally, a young woman has been identified as an accomplice for her role in attracting buyers through phone calls.
Facebook/Yosmany Mayeta Labrada
The incident, which occurred in broad daylight at apartment 3 in the J-53 area of the José Martí District, has raised alarms among residents, who claim to live in increasing fear due to the rise of organized crime in the city.
"What happened proves that there is no longer security even in our own homes," commented a neighbor who preferred to remain anonymous. The community is calling for a stronger police presence and fears that impunity will lead to new crimes.
A wave of violence strikes Santiago
This assault is not an isolated case. Santiago de Cuba has become one of the provinces most affected by the rising insecurity on the island.
In June, a 70-year-old farmer was tortured and murdered in Quintoque for the theft of his belongings, in a crime that shocked eastern Cuba. Months earlier, a student was seriously injured at the “Antonio Maceo” Vocational School of Exact Sciences following a violent incident within the educational institution. More recently, neighbors have reported that armed youth gangs are carrying out assaults and thefts on the streets of Santiago without any effective solutions being offered by the authorities.
The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit warned that in 2024, more than two crimes per day were reported in the country, marking an increase of over 50% compared to the previous year. Santiago, along with Matanzas, Havana, and Holguín, tops the list of the most affected provinces.
Frequently asked questions about the growing insecurity in Santiago de Cuba
What happened in the violent assault in the José Martí District?
A violent assault in the José Martí District left two people injured with knives and a substantial theft of money. The victims were ambushed after being contacted by the attackers via Facebook with the promise of selling them euros. This incident highlights the rise of organized crime in Santiago de Cuba.
What is known about those responsible for the assault in Santiago de Cuba?
Yurisaner Arias Rivaio, alias “Malvino,” was identified as one of the attackers. He was initially captured, but a group of accomplices rescued him. Others involved include Osniel, the son of Yoel “el Kende,” “Bemba,” and Livan Jesús, known as “the Robin Hood of the Robbers,” who stole a chain during the assault. Authorities are actively searching for them.
How is crime affecting the residents of Santiago de Cuba?
Residents of Santiago de Cuba are living with increasing fear due to the rise of organized crime. The community demands a greater police presence and fears that impunity will fuel new crimes. Recent incidents, such as the assault in the José Martí District, have raised alarms among citizens.
What actions are citizens taking in response to the lack of security?
In the absence of a police response, the citizens of Santiago de Cuba have begun to take justice into their own hands. Incidents of vigilante justice, where thieves are captured and tied up by neighbors, have become common. The population is acting directly due to increasing insecurity and the perception of impunity.
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