A Cuban man, while giving a ride to two passengers in his classic car in Havana, was stopped by the police and fined 8,000 pesos for operating without a license. The driver, known as "Pablo Miguel," went live on Facebook to broadcast the moment when two officers from the PNR, a man and a woman, issued the fine.
"Now in your own private car, from your home, you can't pick anyone up from the street," the young driver protested. "They stop you and ask for a 'boteo' permit as if they were inspectors; patrols aren't meant for that," he added. He questioned the fine, stating, "A fine for what? I haven't broken any traffic laws or done anything wrong," while indicating that the patrol vehicle that stopped him was number 255.
Despite threats that he would be detained, the driver labeled the enforcement of fines in Cuba as a "mafia." He also complained about the exorbitant gas prices, saying, "Now you have to drive your car empty while buying diesel at $1.10 per liter for them." The video shows the officers speeding away in their patrol car after handing over the fine.
Social Media Outrage: Allegations of Police Misconduct
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with numerous Cubans condemning the crackdown on private transport operators and the corruption within the police. Many have argued that if the government doesn't want Cubans to provide rides, they should improve public transportation.
"They should provide buses and fuel so we can travel"; "There's no public transport for the people, and they don't want private transport either. They just want money"; "They do this to see if you'll pay them 5,000 or 10,000 pesos to avoid losing points on your license," some commented.
Others remarked, "Police are issuing fines for their own gain"; "The real blockade is by them, it's an organized mafia"; "If the fine is 8,000, you give them 4,000 and it ends there. That's how the country runs, with corruption at all levels."
One of the many internet users asked, "Why don't they go after criminals, thieves, and drug dealers on the streets?" The video has gone viral in recent hours. Several users advised the victim to present the video as evidence to the prosecutor's office, although many agreed that complaints in Cuba are often futile.
The transportation situation on the island remains dire, with a lack of buses, endless lines, and high prices in the private sector. Many believe that the crackdown on private drivers only exacerbates the mobility crisis in the country. Recently, reports have surfaced of inspectors intensifying their hunt for irregularities in the rental transport sector.
Understanding Cuba's Transport Crisis and Police Actions
Why was the Cuban driver fined by the police?
The driver was fined 8,000 pesos for operating without a license, as per the police's claims.
What was the reaction on social media to the fine?
The incident led to widespread criticism on social media, with many Cubans denouncing the police's actions and corruption, while also pointing out the government's failure to provide adequate public transportation.
How does this situation reflect on Cuba's public transportation issues?
The incident highlights the severe transportation crisis in Cuba, where public transport is insufficient, leading to a reliance on private drivers who are now facing increased scrutiny and fines from authorities.