Cuban activist Yankiel Fernández reported a harrowing incident where he and his 11-year-old nephew were assaulted with a stone while driving at night on a bustling street in Havana. The attack resulted in injuries to his hand and damage to their vehicle.
Fernández, who also established the Aliento de Vida project, shared on Facebook that the incident occurred last Friday around 10:10 PM on Avenue 51, near the Military Technical Institute (ITM).
"God intervened once again, sparing us from harm and diverting the large stone that was hurled at my head," Fernández recounted, admitting that he initially considered not reporting the incident.
According to his account, two individuals targeted them with a stone while they traveled through that section of the city.
Details of the Attack
Fernández noted the stone's impact destroyed the vehicle's switch, brake, mirror, and other parts. The blow also struck his left hand. "I've been unable to sleep for two nights due to the intense pain," he stated.
Despite the presence of a child in the car, the attackers continued to throw stones, Fernández highlighted.
Concerns About Safety and Authority
Linking the incident to poor street lighting, urban decay, and a growing sense of insecurity, Fernández expressed that Cuba has become increasingly unsafe.
He questioned the authorities' ability to control crime, asserting, "Citizens no longer feel safe."
Fernández further criticized the situation by stating that the stone could have been fatal: "I wouldn't have been exonerated by history, just another statistic in the crime victim count."
Community Reactions and Broader Issues
The report sparked numerous responses from concerned individuals lamenting the lack of safety.
"It's terrible what is happening in Cuba. People don't confront the police; they attack one another, and nothing changes," one commenter noted.
Another mentioned feeling unprotected, adding, "We can't even go outside," while a third advised against nighttime outings, saying, "The streets are no longer safe."
A particularly alarming account claimed that similar attacks are not isolated incidents in the capital. "In the Vento area at night, gangs throw stones at anyone passing by. There's no police patrol to deter and apprehend these criminals," a resident wrote.
Such stone attacks on individuals and vehicles have been officially reported in other regions of the country as well.
In late 2025, drivers raised alarms about stone-throwing assaults on a highway in Camagüey, where even a passenger bus fell victim while navigating the Curve of Ignacio.
This incident occurs amid rising concerns over violence and crime in the nation. In June, a report highlighted the growth of youth gangs in several Havana neighborhoods and other areas, attributing this trend to the economic crisis, poverty, and the proliferation of synthetic drugs.
Understanding Rising Insecurity in Cuba
What happened to Yankiel Fernández in Havana?
Yankiel Fernández was attacked with a stone while driving with his nephew in Havana, resulting in injuries and vehicle damage.
Why is there a growing sense of insecurity in Cuba?
The increasing sense of insecurity in Cuba is linked to poor street lighting, urban decay, and a perception that authorities are unable to manage crime effectively.
Are stone attacks common in Cuba?
Yes, stone attacks have been reported in various parts of Cuba, indicating it is a widespread issue.