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A violent assault in the town of Tres Golpes, in the municipality of Ciro Redondo, has caused significant outrage on social media, following reports that three men broke into a private pigsty to steal 16 pigs.
The individuals involved, identified as Yoandri Peña Proenza, Emilio Arzuaga Herrera, and Willian Viñales, used violence against the guard at the location, beating and tying him up, leaving him defenseless while they stole the animals.
The information was released by the official profile Avileños de Corazón, which described the incident as an attempt at a "year-end of luxury and disgust" that ended in “rebar spaghetti.”
According to that source, the criminals' plan seemed straight out of a "Saturday movie," but the swift police response thwarted the operation: "when the ride is good, the road is short," the page sarcastically summed up.
A planned and brutal assault
The theft not only draws attention due to the number of animals taken – a significant figure considering the current conditions of scarcity – but also because of the level of violence used.
The custodian was immobilized and unable to call for help. This increasingly common pattern marks a clear difference compared to traditional thefts: it is no longer just about stealing, but about instilling fear.
"Villa Cabilla": Popular Irony and Plea for Justice
The case has sparked a flood of comments on social media, some of which are laced with irony, while others are more critical of the judicial system.
Several users celebrated the arrest of those involved, wishing them a prolonged stay at the euphemistically named "Hotel Villa Cabilla," in reference to the provincial prison
"Let's have a good time at the Villa Cabilla Hotel," joked an internet user.
"They messed up their New Year's Eve, now it's a trio in the tank," commented another.
"Let them eat tilapia and morronga soup, not roast pork," a third person joked.
The humorous tone, however, does not conceal a deep discomfort: “Criminals and abusers, I hope the court does not hesitate when delivering its verdict,” demanded a user.
Others called for severe prison sentences, even forced labor and penalties of up to 30 years: “Easy: one year for each pig. No mercy,” suggested one. “Cut them off and burn them,” summarized another.
Rural Crime: A Rising Phenomenon
This fact is part of a larger context: the increase of violent thefts in rural areas.
The shortage of pork, whose price in the informal market is prohibitive for most Cubans, has made piglets a frequent target for organized criminals.
Peasants and small landowners report feeling defenseless.
As a supporter of the page expressed: "We need to rearm the farmers as in the fight against bandits; for extreme problems, absolute solutions."
Another person added, "They won't even eat pork... living off the labor of sacrificed individuals."
The case of the 16 stolen pigs has shaken the community, not only because of the brutality of the crime but also because of what it represents: yet another example of how the economic crisis has shattered basic ethical codes and driven some sectors to commit violent and audacious crimes.
Between popular justice and the lack of institutional faith
While many comments praised the police action, there were also criticisms of the justice system.
"Next month they will be out on the streets," a commentator warned.
"For criminals, there are thirds and incentives. For politicians, not a day less," remarked another with a cynical tone.
Some users even suggested that current laws are not up to the challenge of the problem.
"It is necessary to impose exemplary sentences of 25 to 30 years without benefits. People are afraid to go out on the street," wrote a woman.
Another was more graphic: "Let them be made to work in a real pigsty, but as slaves, from dawn to dusk."
The situation in Ciego de Ávila is not an isolated incident; rather, it is part of a concerning trend. Amid a prolonged crisis with no solutions in sight, crime is gaining ground, especially in rural areas where the State has lost effective presence.
What happened in Tres Golpes illustrates not only the rise of violence associated with food theft but also the desperation of a society that, amid scarcity and impunity, seems to have normalized the unacceptable.
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