Rafael Suárez Labrada, the brother of independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, was violently attacked in the Las Cruces area, close to the Altamira neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba. The assailants seized his phone and inflicted several blows to his head.
Mayeta took to Facebook to report the incident, providing a detailed account: "The attackers stripped him of his cell phone, a light purple Samsung Galaxy S23, and also delivered multiple blows to his head."
According to the journalist, his brother is currently in stable condition following the assault. However, he voiced his concern over the violent nature of the attack.
The Rising Threat of Crime in Santiago de Cuba
Residing in the United States since 2019, Mayeta has long been documenting the rise in criminal activity in Santiago de Cuba. This incident has now personally impacted him: "For years, I have reported on the thefts, assaults, and insecurity plaguing many families in Santiago. I've shared the stories of mothers, students, workers, and the elderly who have fallen victim to these crimes. Regrettably, today, this harsh reality strikes my own family."
In his message, he made the incident public not only for his brother's sake but also as a call to action for all Santiago families facing similar threats: "How much longer must the people of Santiago live in fear of stepping outside? How many more individuals must be attacked and robbed of their possessions?"
He also appealed to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the stolen phone to contact him via Messenger or WhatsApp at +1 (202) 560-0716.
Escalating Violence and Insecurity
The assault comes just six weeks after two uniformed police officers visited Mayeta's family home in Altamira, inquiring about a supposed "Pedro Mayeta." The journalist interpreted this as an indirect form of harassment against his work.
Santiago de Cuba is grappling with a wave of insecurity. In May, a man was murdered for his electric tricycle in Las Américas Avenue. In September, residents of Trocha and Gasómetro reported repeated night-time robberies, and days later, a woman was robbed of a gold chain inside her own home in the Mariana de la Torre district.
The Ministry of the Interior acknowledged in February a 25% rise in property crimes, attributing it to the "complex economic situation."
The Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory recorded 2,833 verified crimes in Cuba during 2025, marking a 115% increase from the previous year. Santiago province accounted for 323 verified robberies.
Addressing Crime in Santiago de Cuba
What happened to Rafael Suárez Labrada?
Rafael Suárez Labrada, the brother of journalist Yosmany Mayeta, was assaulted in Santiago de Cuba. His phone was stolen, and he was hit several times on the head.
How is Santiago de Cuba dealing with rising crime?
Santiago de Cuba is facing increasing crime rates, with reports of robberies and violent attacks becoming more frequent. The government has acknowledged a rise in property crimes, linking it to economic challenges.
Has the government responded to the increase in crime?
Yes, the Ministry of the Interior has noted a 25% increase in property crimes and attributes this to the country's challenging economic conditions.