A Cuban mother, known on social media as Dayanis Ramírez, has publicly named the police officer she accuses of breaking her 16-year-old son's arm in the city of Holguín. The officer, identified as Alfredo Yoaldi Ortiz Viñales, is alleged to be responsible for injuring the teenager. "He is one of the cowards who broke my son's arm. I hope he faces justice. Share this so the world knows who hides behind a uniform," Ramírez expressed in anger in a Facebook post.
The incident reportedly took place last Tuesday at a soccer field associated with the University of Medical Sciences, a spot where, according to the mother, "for generations, local boys have gathered to play soccer, basketball, and other sports." Ramírez stated that her son and several other teenagers were in the sports area when multiple police officers arrived with the intent to remove them.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
As the teenagers attempted to leave, the officers allegedly began hurling insults. When her son questioned the need for such disrespect, he was reportedly subdued so forcefully that his arm was broken. The mother has filed formal complaints and vows to persevere until those responsible are brought to justice. She further claimed that, in addition to the fracture, her son was beaten, and accused a senior officer, described as a fair-eyed major from the 3rd police unit in Holguín, of causing the injury.
Context of Increasing Police Violence
This incident is part of a larger pattern of police violence in Cuba, which has resulted in over 90 victims from 2019 to 2023, many of whom have not yet received justice. Such events highlight the ongoing issues with law enforcement in the country, raising concerns about accountability and human rights.