A young Cuban man is in critical condition after being stabbed last weekend in the Mantilla neighborhood of Havana's Arroyo Naranjo municipality. The assailants attacked him to steal his motorcycle and cell phone.
On Facebook, user Olga Lidia Gómez requested prayers for the victim, identified as Vicente Pases, who remains in serious condition following the attack. Gómez detailed that the incident occurred around 2 a.m. near El Moro, where Pases was left after being assaulted with a knife.
"With his family's permission, we, because we are many, ask for prayers for Vicente Pases and justice," wrote Gómez, adding that the injured man resides in Callejas, also in Arroyo Naranjo. "I would like everyone who knows him, as many of us do since he lives in Callejas and is well-loved, to help us in praying for his recovery. His condition is critical but stable," she continued, seemingly writing from Florida.
"To all his family members, you can count on us, and hopefully, this will not go unpunished like other cases," added Gómez, expressing the hope that the attacker will be caught. In the comments section, several people joined in wishing for a speedy recovery for the young man, yet another victim of the escalating violence in Cuba, which has surged alongside the country's severe economic and moral crisis.
As of the close of this report, no further details have emerged regarding the circumstances of Vicente Pases' attack, as he continues to fight for his life. Although recent weeks have seen a slight decline in reports of such incidents on social media, many argue that the violence rate remains high on the island.
In another recent violent incident, a man working as a security guard at the Santiago de Cuba Aquarium was critically injured during a violent robbery at the site. In March, a high-ranking official from the General Prosecutor's Office denied that criminal violence has increased in Cuba.
Beatriz de la Peña La O, head of the Department of Investigation of the Directorate of Criminal Proceedings, attempted to shift attention to social media and its extensive reach. According to the prosecutor, there is a false perception of increased crime because social media provides greater visibility of events, and the number of internet users has grown.
Understanding the Surge in Violence in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions about the rise in violence in Cuba, based on recent events and expert opinions.
What happened to Vicente Pases in Havana?
Vicente Pases was stabbed and critically injured in the Mantilla neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, during a robbery for his motorcycle and cell phone.
Has violence increased in Cuba recently?
Although some officials deny an increase in violence, many residents and social media reports suggest that crime rates remain high, exacerbated by the country's economic and moral crisis.
What are officials saying about the perceived rise in crime?
Officials like Beatriz de la Peña La O argue that social media amplifies the visibility of criminal incidents, leading to a false perception of increased crime rates.