A family from the municipality of Mella, in Santiago de Cuba, reported being after purchasing some logs to repair the roof of their home, which was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.
The case was shared by the Cuban journalist Mario J. Pentón on his social media.
According to the report, the agents went to the affected individuals' home and warned them that they could be detained for acquiring wood from unauthorized sources, even though the logs were purchased to rebuild their family home.
“For those little sticks we bought to repair the roof where a small child lives. We have an allergic child and the cyclone blew the roof away. Now the police are coming to arrest us for these sticks,” recounted one of the victims in a video shared by Pentón.
"The dam has filled up. Instead of coming to fine us for those little sticks we bought, they should come bring us roof and cement. Our children are full of mucus," the mother added indignantly.
The incident reflects the climate of control and harassment that Cuban families face even when they attempt to repair the damages caused by natural disasters using their own resources.
Instead of receiving material support or humanitarian assistance, those affected are subjected to inspections, fines, or police threats.
The municipality of Mella was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, with dozens of homes collapsed and an undetermined number of families still living under makeshift roofs.
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