Amid the escalating violence and insecurity in Cuba, a young man suffered injuries during an armed robbery in the Luyanó neighborhood of Havana. The incident, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, was reported by his brother, Luis González, on Facebook. The attack took place on Santa Ana Street, between Justicia and Fábrica.
González explained that two armed assailants attacked his brother, resulting in head and forehead injuries that required 11 stitches in total—six on his head and five on his forehead. Fortunately, the injuries were not life-threatening.
In an attempt to identify the attackers, the brother sought security footage from a nearby café after his brother managed to pull off one of the assailant's ski masks. However, the café owner refused to check the cameras, claiming he was busy. "Only he knows why he didn't want to show the footage," González expressed in his post, while warning the community about the rising insecurity in the area.
Recently, a man in Matanzas was sentenced to 15 years in prison for assaulting and beating a driver to steal his motorbike, as reported by the government-run media outlet Girón. The offender has been ordered to compensate for the material damages inflicted on the victim.
The Matanzas incident occurred on December 7, 2023, at the Agramonte transport terminal when the attacker requested a ride to Jovellanos and brutally attacked the driver with an iron hammer mid-journey.
Additionally, on February 3, authorities captured two individuals responsible for a violent robbery in Holguín. These individuals were identified as the perpetrators of a vicious assault on an elderly man to steal his electric scooter.
In December, former baseball player Maikel Hidalgo Reyes also made headlines after being brutally assaulted, resulting in injuries that required several days of hospitalization. Maikel, residing in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, is a former pitcher who played as a reliever for the teams of Metropolitanos, Holguín, and Matanzas years ago.
Understanding the Rise in Violent Crime in Cuba
What are the recent trends in violence in Havana?
Violent incidents, including armed robberies and assaults, have been on the rise in Havana, contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity among residents.
How are victims of violent crimes in Cuba coping with the aftermath?
Victims often rely on personal and community support for recovery. In some cases, they seek justice through the legal system, although challenges remain due to limited resources and cooperation.
What measures can be taken to improve security in Cuban neighborhoods?
Enhanced community policing, increased surveillance, and public awareness campaigns can play a role in addressing the security challenges faced by neighborhoods in Cuba.