Cuban authorities have firmly denied any incidents of child abductions at schools in the municipality of Cárdenas, located in Matanzas. This announcement was made on Thursday through official state media channels. "There are no kidnapped children nor any attempts of such heinous actions in Cárdenas," stated a decisive message released on social media by the local television station Telebandera, addressing the "false information" that has rapidly spread regarding "several attempted kidnappings of minors."
The Ministries of the Interior (Minint) and Education (Mined) in Cárdenas have also denied any recorded incidents or complaints related to these rumors, according to the statement. The news report described the rumors as originating in primary and secondary schools, specifically mentioning Cantel Primary, Boca de Camarioca, José Martí Secondary, and other educational complexes.
Telebandera emphasized that according to the Education Directorate in the area, "there has been no incident of this nature at any of the 61 educational centers within the municipality." Moreover, it clarified that, "as of now," neither of the two Interior Ministry units in Cárdenas and Varadero have received any reports of such events.
The denial described the circulating information as a "disturbing rumor" that has undoubtedly unsettled the community, acknowledging that it has instilled fear among many parents. Regrettably, some teachers have echoed these rumors, warning families of the supposed abduction threat.
The state-run television channel in Cárdenas underscored that political, governmental, and MININT authorities reiterate that the schools "remain safe centers and will continue to be, and anyone attempting such actions will face the full strength of the law." The statement concluded with the official slogan that "in Cuba, children are sacred."
Officials of the regime and state-affiliated journalists have also posted denials on their social media profiles, reaffirming that these are "rumors" spread with the aim of instilling fear in the population. "We inform that there is no evidence of such incidents in Cárdenas or anywhere else. We urge our population not to be misled and to maintain calm, staying informed through official channels, to always know the truth and 'only the truth,' which never betrays," warned Eduardo López Leyva, an official from the Central Committee's Analysis Office of the PCC.
Despite the government's denial, comments on Telebandera and the newspaper Girón's posts reveal skepticism among Cárdenas residents regarding the official information and highlight concerns about school security. "Security at school centers??? How is it possible for 18-year-olds to enter a secondary school drunk, fight with younger students, and harass girls? I'm not speaking without reason; I've experienced such situations myself. As for the kidnapped children, I don't know if it's true or not, but there is no security at the schools; in fact, there's no security in the city at all," stated a young resident from Cárdenas.
Although the government denies these claims, posts on Facebook groups persist in alleging that cases or attempts of child abductions have indeed been reported in different areas of the Matanzas province, supposedly to steal jewelry and cell phones. They have also referenced two missing girls since January 13 in Cárdenas. The teenagers are identified as Melanie Rodríguez González, 13, and Yoandriane Díaz García, 14. Melanie was last seen at José Martí School, while Yoandriane left her home with a backpack containing clothes. Their families are appealing for help to locate them.
Questions About Alleged Child Abductions in Matanzas
What has the Cuban government stated about the alleged child abductions in Matanzas?
The Cuban government has denied any abductions or attempts thereof, claiming the rumors are false and have been spread to instill fear among the population.
How have local residents reacted to the government's denial of child abductions?
Some residents in Cárdenas have expressed skepticism about the official denials, citing concerns over school security and personal experiences of unsafe environments.
Are there any ongoing concerns despite the government's statements?
Yes, despite the government's statements, social media posts continue to claim that child abductions or attempts have been reported in Matanzas, raising continued public concern.