A police officer, blatantly abusing his authority, used his uniform to jump ahead in a gas line in the city of Santiago de Cuba, bypassing individuals who had been waiting for hours to purchase the precious gas canister.
The incident, reported by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook, has sparked a wave of outrage among social media users. They pointed out that this type of abuse, where Cuban police and military personnel exploit their positions, is a common practice in the country.
"Some people had arrived since dawn, and others had been waiting for more than seven hours to buy the gas canister when this police officer came and bypassed everyone present," commented social communicator Yosmany Mayeta. He criticized the officer's arrogant attitude, who, instead of protecting the rights of the people, blatantly ignored them, showing a clear disrespect toward the citizens he is supposed to serve.
Mayeta also used the post to denounce that this kind of behavior is frequent among police officers, "who often stop a bus and don't pay for it."
In the comments section, most of the independent journalist's followers agreed that the officer's attitude was at the very least arrogant, disrespectful, and an abuse of power. The exacerbated economic crisis facing the Cuban population is reflected in the scarcity of products and the long lines to acquire basic goods. This situation often leads to outbreaks of violence as tension and desperation rise among those waiting for hours to meet their most essential needs.
The news portal CubaNet published a video on Wednesday on the social network X that captures the tension in another line to buy gas canisters.
The video illustrates the frustration and desperation of Cubans, who face long waits to obtain an essential resource, always with the fear that availability will run out.
Abuse of Authority by Cuban Police
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the abuse of power by police officers in Cuba, particularly related to the recent incident in Santiago de Cuba.
What led to the incident involving the police officer in Santiago de Cuba?
The police officer used his uniform to skip ahead in a gas line, bypassing individuals who had been waiting for hours to purchase gas canisters.
How did the public react to the police officer's actions?
The incident sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with many users condemning the officer's abuse of power and disrespect toward the citizens.
Is this type of abuse common in Cuba?
Yes, this type of abuse is reported to be common, where police and military personnel exploit their positions to bypass laws and norms.
What are the broader implications of such incidents?
These incidents reflect the broader economic crisis and the resulting scarcity of essential products in Cuba, leading to increased tension and desperation among the population.