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A family celebration in Cristina's neighborhood, in Santiago de Cuba, ended in a scene of fear and violence following a police intervention that involved beatings, gunfire, and the arrest of several individuals, including a 16-year-old minor.
The complaint was published by independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who referenced testimonies from residents of the Altamira Council, in front of the area known as “el Lavatin.”
According to reports, a group of young people was quietly celebrating Euris Enrique's birthday when, around 11:30 PM, police officers arrived at the scene and ordered them to turn off the music and dismantle the equipment.
In Cuba, street parties are often interrupted by the police following complaints about noise, particularly during nighttime hours. However, as of now, there is no official information confirming whether a prior complaint regarding loud music was made in this case. Witnesses claim that the birthday celebrant requested a few minutes to reach midnight in order to sing the traditional "happy birthday," a request that was denied.
What followed, according to the neighbors, was a rapid escalation of tension. The officers reportedly struck the young man as well as his parents when they tried to intervene. “The mother tried to explain that it was her son's birthday, and they responded with shoves and rude behavior,” recounted a resident of the area.
The situation became even more alarming when several people reported hearing at least three shots. One was said to have been fired into the air, while the other two were directed toward an area where there were neighbors. The sound of the gunfire caused panic in the community. "The shot hit the ground; it could have been a tragedy," one of the witnesses stated.
Among the most sensitive cases reported is that of a 16-year-old adolescent, residing in Callejón de Fariña, who, according to testimonies, was not participating in the party or the argument.
The minor allegedly tried to take refuge, but was subdued by several officers, beaten on the ground, and arrested. Marks were left on the pavement indicating that one of the shots struck very close to where he was.
Neighbors claim that the birthday celebrant and several of his family members were also arrested. So far, authorities have not provided an official account of the events, nor have they informed about the whereabouts of those detained or the initiation of an investigation regarding the use of firearms in a residential area.
Although a potential noise complaint may have prompted the arrival of the police, residents of Cristina question how a family celebration ended in punches, gunfire, and arrests, including that of a minor.
While the official silence continues, the community demands explanations and accountability. A night that was supposed to be filled with joy ended up marked by fear, leaving more questions than answers.
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