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Five individuals involved in a series of robberies at recreational centers and homes in the province of Pinar del Río, between 2023 and 2024, have been sentenced to prison terms of up to nine years, according to official reports.
The Provincial Popular Court of Pinar del Río sentenced the five accused on September 23 for the crimes of theft with force in a continued manner, theft with force, larceny, and receiving stolen goods in a continued manner, specified a statement from the judicial entity.
Four of the accused were sentenced to prison terms ranging from three to nine years, while another was sentenced to five years of correctional work with internment. The official statement did not disclose the identity of any of the convicted.
The events took place between late 2023 and July 2024, when individuals broke into the state-owned recreational establishments Cabaret Rumayor and Centro Comercial de la Alameda - the latter more than five times - from which they stole large quantities of merchandise. They also committed thefts in private homes in the city of Pinar del Río.
The stolen goods were sold to another of the accused, as specified in the statement.
In addition to the criminal penalties, the court ruled that the four individuals sentenced for theft are required to compensate for the material damage caused to the victims of the crimes. All defendants were imposed additional measures, such as a prohibition on leaving the national territory, among others.
The Cuban population expresses great concern about the growing insecurity in the country due to the increase in crime, particularly violent robberies, assaults, and thefts in broad daylight.
The government has attempted to curb the rise in crime through the systematization of police operations, the tightening of criminal penalties, and the implementation of exemplary trials, with the intention of “guaranteeing” “citizen tranquility” and “internal order.” Meanwhile, it continues to neglect the underlying issues that drive crime.
The trial held in Pinar del Río was part of the IV National Exercise for the Prevention and Combat of Crime, corruption, drug-related issues, and illegal activities, organized by the regime at the end of September under the “Safe Cuba” program.
On those dates, the Provincial People's Tribunal of Mayabeque sentenced 10 years in prison to a man for the crime of robbery with violence and intimidation, after breaking into a home in the municipality of Güines, where he threatened a father and his son with a machete.
Frequently Asked Questions about Robberies and Security in Pinar del Río
What were the sentences for the individuals involved in the robberies in Pinar del Río?
The sentences for the five individuals involved in the robberies in Pinar del Río were up to nine years in prison. Four of the accused received sentences ranging from three to nine years in prison, while one was sentenced to five years of correctional labor with internment.
What additional measures were imposed on those convicted for the robberies in Pinar del Río?
In addition to prison sentences, the convicted are required to compensate for the material damage caused to the victims of the crimes. They were also imposed accessory measures, such as the prohibition of leaving the national territory.
What impact does the rise in crime have on the Cuban population?
The Cuban population is becoming increasingly worried about the rising insecurity due to the increase in crime, particularly violent robberies and thefts in broad daylight. The lack of effective solutions from the government adds to this concern.
How is the Cuban government responding to the rise in crime?
The Cuban government has attempted to curb the rise in crime through police operations and the tightening of penalties. However, these actions do not address the underlying issues that drive crime in the country.
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