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A brawl that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, November 23, both inside and outside the Estocolmo bar, one of the most well-known in Guantánamo, resulted in several injuries, property damage in a hospital, and an ongoing criminal process against those involved.
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) of that province reported this, stating that it has clarified the events and reiterated its condemnation of these violent acts.
According to the official statement from MININT -which did not specify the exact number of injuries- the disturbances began inside the establishment, located in the heart of the city.
At the time of the events, several of those involved were under the influence of alcohol, and some were not even local residents, but rather from Santiago de Cuba.
The reason for the conflict, according to the report, was of a sentimental nature: "due to conflicts of a passionate nature.", stated the announcement without providing further details.
The bar's security forces intervened quickly and expelled those involved, but the situation escalated as the fight moved to the street, where the confrontations continued.
Transfer to the hospital and new attack
Several of the injured were taken by private means to the provincial hospital in Guantánamo.
However, the violence did not stop there. While the injured were receiving medical attention, four citizens arrived at the hospital on two motorcycles with the apparent intention of reigniting the confrontation.
According to the official report, the newcomers “threw several stones at the car that had transported the injured”, which caused significant damage to the rear windshield and to two windows of the entrance door to the medical facility.
The MININT classified the incident as an attack on the physical integrity of individuals and collective property.
He stated that "during the investigative process, all participants in this unfortunate event were identified and are being processed according to the severity of the facts, the circumstances, and in accordance with current legislation."
Mixed reactions online: The bar, victim or responsible?
The journalist Yosmany Mayeta echoed on social media the statement from MININT, which generated mixed opinions about the responsibility of the Estocolmo bar in such incidents.
A commentator defended the venue, arguing that the issue is not the establishment itself, but rather the behavior of its visitors.
"It is one of the best bars. Problems arise depending on how people are able to behave; some transform when they drink and quickly create a conflict. We cannot judge that the problem is the bar, but rather the type of person who visits it," he noted.
Other users were more critical, referencing both the background of some individuals involved and the alleged reputation of the place.
"Well, someday Santiago won't be in the headlines," an internet user quipped, while another replied, "Yes, they were from Santiago."
A third comment was more direct and condemnatory: “That bar is a den of conflict and drug addiction, it should be closed down for good.”
The Ministry of the Interior concluded its statement with a firm message of rejection against such disturbances of public order.
"We reiterate our firm rejection of such behaviors that threaten public tranquility, mutual respect, and the integrity of individuals and collective property," they wrote.
As the investigations progress, the incident reveals a worrying escalation of violence in nighttime recreational spaces in Cuba, in a context marked by alcohol consumption and often drugs as well.
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