Government inspectors in Santiago de Cuba confiscated products from an independent vendor on Tuesday, who was selling goods on a city street. "Today, independent vendors, those selling products from wagons, and many who had their tables set up on street corners on Barracones Street in Santiago de Cuba, suffered the confiscation of their products by 'inspectors' who arrived without any identification. They got off a truck and began seizing the vendors' products," reported independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.
The journalist mentioned that the interveners arrived saying, "Throw the stuff in the sack," while several people recorded what was happening. The post served to call on the authorities of the Party and the Government in Santiago de Cuba to respond to the actions of these individuals. "The inspectors, if that’s what they were, cannot show up like 'criminals' and take everything they see," said Mayeta Labrada.
"Those acting as inspectors should formally introduce themselves and show identification. They must comply with the proper documentation and seizure records so that authorized independent vendors can claim their merchandise, ensuring that their products are not lost," he reflected.
Confiscations are a harsh reality that Cubans are facing amid a backdrop of shortages and limited supplies, in addition to excessively high prices. In July, Esteban Lazo Hernández, a member of the Political Bureau and President of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), expressed support for confiscations and seizures of goods and properties as the most effective way to hit alleged lawbreakers where it "hurts the most."
"Folks, the penalty that hurts people the most here is taking their stuff away, more than fines. I take away your merchandise, your property for breaking the law because we must respect the laws of this country. This is a country of law. If you have a license, I take it away, and if you continue breaking the laws, you go to court," said Lazo during the Economic Affairs Commission of Parliament's ordinary session last July.
His words have been taken to heart by local governments and their inspectors. In Havana, a female official was caught threatening drivers of the well-known "riquimbilis" with vehicle confiscation if they were found driving without a license plate.
In March of this year, a Cuban protested in front of the Communist Party headquarters in Havana after reportedly having several items seized from his backpack. More recently, a young Cuban woman reported the illegal confiscation of her father's truck in Santiago de Cuba for alleged illicit activity and accused the authorities of delaying the case's resolution to confiscate and appropriate the vehicle.
Understanding the Confiscations in Cuba
The recent wave of confiscations in Cuba has raised many questions among citizens and observers. Here, we address some of the most pressing concerns.
Why are government inspectors confiscating goods from vendors?
The government claims these actions are to enforce the law and reduce illegal activities. However, many believe it is a method to control independent vendors and manage shortages.
What should vendors do if their goods are confiscated?
Vendors should demand proper identification from inspectors and ensure that all documentation and seizure records are filled out. This is crucial for claiming their merchandise later.
What are the legal implications of these confiscations?
Confiscations can lead to significant financial losses for vendors and may involve legal battles to reclaim seized property. It can also result in the revocation of licenses and potential court cases.