A Cuban man, who had gone to enjoy a day at the beach with his family in Guanabo, Havana, claims he was viciously beaten inside a unit of the Revolutionary National Police (PNR). According to his testimony, he was held for several hours before being released without any charges.
This accusation was brought to light on Facebook by Alexis Torriente, a friend of the victim, who shared photos of the injuries and recounted the incident.
In his post, Torriente revealed that Ernesto Morejón Montañez, a resident of the Mulgoba neighborhood in the Boyeros municipality, traveled with his wife and son on Wednesday, July 15, to spend time at the beach in Guanabo.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Torriente explained that Morejón had consumed "a few too many beers" when, around 11:00 a.m., a PNR officer approached him near the Guanabo police station and asked him to accompany him inside.
Once inside, as per the report, Morejón was subdued and assaulted by six officers wielding batons, despite, according to his friend, having committed no crime.
"Six officers attacked him with batons until he was handcuffed, hands and feet bound, lying on the floor, begging the jailer to stop because he felt they were going to kill him," Torriente wrote.
The images shared show bruises on Morejón's torso, arms, and legs, along with marks on his wrists and ankles indicating prolonged handcuff use. The report also mentioned head injuries that led to visible swelling days after the event.
Response from the Authorities and Witnesses
Torriente stated that Morejón remained handcuffed on the floor for over four hours, during which no officer requested his identification or provided any reason for his detention.
Eventually released around 5 p.m. without explanation or charges, Morejón reportedly told the officers, "You've made me lose five hours of beach time with my son."
The family decided against filing a formal complaint, believing justice is unattainable in Cuba. "We know well that justice doesn't exist in this country... it's held hostage by the damned communists," Torriente expressed.
In the comments on the post, some individuals claimed to have witnessed part of the incident and offered a different perspective on what occurred before the arrest.
Reinier Crespo Tejo, identifying as a Guanabo resident, stated that Morejón was "drunk and troublesome," with nearby café workers calling the police. However, he admitted to being unaware of what happened inside the police unit.
Gabriela Algibay Martínez echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the man was "excessively drunk, with very aggressive behavior." Neither mentioned the alleged use of force within the station.
As of now, Cuban authorities have not publicly addressed the allegations.
Escalating Tensions and Human Rights Concerns
This incident comes just weeks after Guanabo residents protested for water, food, and electricity, demonstrations that ended with heavy police presence and multiple arrests.
Human rights organizations continue to criticize the excessive use of force by Cuban authorities. According to Prisoners Defenders, nearly 2,000 repressive actions occurred in the first half of 2026, including 257 arbitrary arrests.
Additionally, Cubalex has documented at least 14 methods of torture and cruel treatment allegedly used by PNR agents, including beatings with batons on detained and handcuffed individuals, a practice frequently reported since the July 11, 2021 protests.
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights has recorded dozens of reports of police violence in recent years, while various international organizations continue to warn about the erosion of fundamental rights on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Police Violence in Cuba
What happened to Ernesto Morejón Montañez in Guanabo?
Ernesto Morejón Montañez claims he was beaten by six police officers inside a PNR unit in Guanabo after being detained without committing a crime. He was held for several hours before being released without charges.
How has the international community reacted to reports of police violence in Cuba?
International organizations have repeatedly condemned the use of excessive force by Cuban authorities, highlighting numerous incidents of police violence and violations of human rights.
Is there a history of police brutality in Cuba?
Yes, numerous reports and human rights organizations have documented a pattern of police brutality and repressive actions against citizens in Cuba, particularly following protests and demonstrations.