The official Cuban press provided an update this Monday on the incident at Finca de los Monos, increasing the number of injured to eight in the massive fight that took place on Saturday, June 8th. The report also revealed that the investigation has led to the arrest of several individuals involved in the clashes, which included groups of young people, some minors, armed with machetes and other bladed weapons.
A report from the Noticiero de la Televisión Cubana (NTV) raised the number of injured in the fights to eight. The initial version of the events, given by the regime's spokesperson and television presenter, Humberto López, had stated that six people received medical assistance following the brawl.
Yaimara Angulo González, the deputy chief prosecutor in Havana, indicated that "several young people" (aged between 16 and 20 years) have been detained for their involvement in the incident. Without revealing exact numbers, she noted that several minors are among those being investigated. She confirmed that for now, the crime of "public disorder" is considered proven, although other charges may arise during the process.
Responsibility and Investigation
The provincial authorities believe that there are responsibilities among the organizers and institutions that endorsed the event, but insisted on its illegal nature. Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso interviewed the administrator of Finca de los Monos and the manager of the firm Klatus Creativo, which organized the event, but did not include their statements in his report. According to Alonso, both asserted that the authorities of Cerro were informed about the day's program and had approved its celebration.
Alonso did include statements from the Intendente of Cerro, Elena Luis Rodríguez, who reaffirmed the unauthorized nature of the event. "Each activity requires a protocol and must appear in the Plan. If it's not in the plan, it is not a formal activity. Therefore, this activity didn't go through the proper channels," she stated. However, she admitted that officials from the "recreation area" were aware of the event, suggesting that they might also be investigated and sanctioned.
This was echoed by Tatiana Viera Hernández, coordinator of programs and objectives for the Havana Government, who categorically denied that the organizers or local government had informed provincial authorities. "That's why the pertinent investigations are currently underway," said Viera Hernández. Roilán Rodríguez Barbán, a member of the Provincial Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Havana, was more direct, stating that "there was administrative responsibility among local authorities and the corresponding measures will be taken against those responsible."
Colonel Tania Fernández Cordero, head of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) in Havana, claimed that her forces acted impeccably and managed to control the situation and restore order swiftly after receiving notice of the disturbances.
Besides those involved in the events, the deputy chief prosecutor in Havana did not rule out that the investigation might determine other criminal responsibilities among social media users and media outlets that, according to her, disseminated false information and created an unjustified alarm in society. "The second line of investigation is aimed at identifying the individuals who unscrupulously spread false news. We need to establish their motives and purposes for alarming the population. This conduct could constitute a crime," said Angulo González, referring to Article 103.2 of the new Penal Code of the Cuban regime.
Ten days after the incident, the official Cuban press revisited the events that caused shock and alarm among Cubans due to their brutal violence and the young age of those involved. Criticized for its delay in reporting the news and for attempting to cover up the facts behind an alleged "maneuver" by independent media and social media activists to "create destabilization," the Cuban regime presented a more "journalistic" version this Monday than the one initially provided by López.
Despite Alonso's report filling some informational gaps (such as broadcasting images of the events) and appearing more thorough and balanced, the official narrative still emphasizes the "misinformation" and "alarm" created by the independent press, deemed "enemies of the revolution." The report did not address the rise in violence in Cuba, its causes, or various manifestations. No experts provided their opinions on events that have sparked intense debate in civil society. While local administrative errors and responsibilities were acknowledged, the regime's repressive apparatus warned: other responsibilities will be sought, and the "culprits" will pay.
Key Questions About the Finca de los Monos Incident
In light of the recent events at Finca de los Monos, many people have questions about the incident, the investigation, and the broader implications for Cuban society. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide clarity on this unfolding situation.
What caused the fight at Finca de los Monos?
The fight at Finca de los Monos was sparked by clashes between groups of young people, some of whom were armed with machetes and other weapons. The exact cause of the confrontation is still under investigation.
How many people were injured and arrested?
Eight people were injured in the incident, and several individuals, including minors, have been arrested as part of the investigation.
What are the authorities investigating?
Authorities are investigating the individuals directly involved in the fight, as well as those who may have spread false information about the incident on social media. There are also inquiries into the responsibilities of local officials and event organizers.
What were the official responses to the incident?
Officials have emphasized the unauthorized nature of the event and acknowledged administrative failings. The National Revolutionary Police claim they acted appropriately to control the situation, and further investigations are ongoing.