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Gianluca Savina, son of the Italian businessman Berto Savina, publicly denied that his father is connected to the multiple hit-and-run incident that occurred in Havana on August 25, which resulted in one woman dead and eight people injured.
In a post on Facebook, the young man described the information as “completely false” and claimed that his father returned to Italy on August 19, six days before the accident.
"The person who caused the incident that occurred in Havana on August 25 is not Berto Savina," he stated.
"Any association of his name with this fact is absolutely unfounded," wrote Gianluca, who also warned that they will take legal action against those who continue to disseminate this information, accusing them of defamation and of attacking his father's honor and image.
The publication, titled “Smentita ufficiale” (Official Denial), added that the Embassy of Italy in Cuba has been informed of what occurred and that it will take “all necessary measures” in defense of the person involved.
Hours later, the official spokesperson Humberto López also denied that Savina - a long-time ally of the Cuban regime with over 30 years of business on the island and close to dictator Fidel Castro - had any connection to the incident, and stated that the businessman “has been outside of Cuba since August 18” and has “a long-standing and well-established relationship” with the country.
The regime's denial came after a publication by the independent newspaper 14ymedio, which identified Savina as the individual arrested for the multiple hit-and-run incident that occurred in the early hours of August 25, in which Mairovis Valier Heredia, a 34-year-old woman, died, and eight other people were injured.
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) reported on the same day that the perpetrator was a "foreign national," without disclosing their identity or nationality.
According to the report, the driver ran over several people in the Centro Habana and Habana Vieja municipalities and was detained by the law enforcement authorities.
However, the regime has not disclosed the name of the individual, which, combined with the reputation of the investigations by 14yMedio, has led Cubans to assert that the government, with these denials and lacking another scapegoat, is merely trying to protect the Italian businessman.
The lack of official information, the secrecy surrounding the investigation, and the documented connections of Savina with the Cuban regime's elite have sparked numerous theories and suspicions about a possible cover-up.
Photographs shared on social media and in the media show the businessman alongside Fidel Castro, Esteban Lazo, and Miguel Díaz-Canel. Additionally, Savina is the owner of the currency shop Casalinda and the company Italsav, with over 30 years of business operations in Cuba under joint ventures with the State.
Neighbors of Vedado, cited by 14ymedio, claimed that Savina was seen arguing hours before the incident and described him as a "drug user" and "violent person." They also mentioned that this would not be the first time the businessman has been involved in a serious accident on the Island.
The victim's family, Mairovis Valier Heredia, has reported on social media the silence of the authorities and demanded justice. Her grandmother stated: “I do not sleep or live. I ask for the maximum penalty for that man who took my daughter's life.”
Meanwhile, amidst brief official statements, denials from the regime, and an investigation that remains unclear, it has yet to be publicly confirmed who was truly responsible for the multiple incident in Havana.
Frequently Asked Questions about the multiple hit-and-run incident in Havana and the involvement of Berto Savina
Is Berto Savina involved in the multiple hit-and-run in Havana?
According to the official spokesperson Humberto López and Savina's son, Berto Savina is not involved in the multiple hit-and-run that occurred in Havana. Both claim that Savina has been outside of Cuba since August 18, six days before the accident. However, independent media outlets like 14ymedio have identified Savina as the one arrested in connection with this incident, leading to theories about a possible cover-up due to his ties to the Cuban regime.
What happened in the multiple pedestrian accident in Havana?
In the early hours of August 25, a foreign citizen struck nine people in Havana, resulting in the death of Mairovis Valier Heredia and eight injuries. The driver was detained, but his identity has not been officially confirmed. The case has generated controversy due to the lack of clear information and allegations of cover-up.
Why is there suspicion of a cover-up in the case of the hit-and-run in Havana?
There are suspicions of a cover-up due to Berto Savina's connections with the Cuban regime's elite, which may be influencing the lack of transparency and the protection of the businessman. Additionally, the identity of the driver has not been officially disclosed, and there are testimonies suggesting that the detainee could be Savina.
What has been the reaction of the victim's family following the hit-and-run in Havana?
The family of Mairovis Valier Heredia has expressed their discontent with the authorities' silence and has demanded justice. They have reported the lack of information and support from the government and have called for the maximum penalty for the individual responsible for the incident.
What legal actions does Berto Savina's family plan to take?
The family of Berto Savina, through his son Gianluca, has announced that they will take legal action against those who continue to spread false information linking Savina to the multiple hit-and-run incident. They accuse these individuals of defamation and of attacking the honor and image of the businessman.
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