A branch of the Banco Popular de Ahorros, located in the area known as "La Comercial" in the José Martí Urban Center of Santiago de Cuba, was found with broken windows this Sunday due to a stoning incident perpetrated by a young man, allegedly in a medical crisis.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported the event on Facebook, noting that the man has not yet been identified, but according to a source, he is a barber who has repeated these stoning incidents at various locations on multiple occasions.
"It seems he doesn't have his medication and goes into crisis," said a person living near the site of the incident.
Mayeta shared a gallery of images showing the damage to the bank branch's windows, as well as a chat screenshot where a person reveals details highlighting the worsening cash crisis in Santiago de Cuba.
"People are fed up because the money that comes in, the bank workers give it at an 8% rate to those involved in cash trafficking," the informant pointed out.
He also drew attention to the corruption within this bank, stating that companies make deposits, a few people from the line are passed through, and then the workers announce that the money has run out.
The informant denounced that the individuals involved in cash trafficking "control the line, and most of the spots are theirs."
Moreover, he emphasized that when these acts of corruption are reported, the police take no action, arguing that "there is no crime," ignoring the fact that the Penal Code penalizes illicit economic activity, speculation, and hoarding, as well as illicit enrichment.
"The police don't get involved because they are in on it and get their money at a 1x1 rate," he added.
Abuses by Cuban police are frequent, with officers taking advantage of their uniform to act as they please, disregarding the rights of civilians.
Recently, a police officer, in a clear abuse of authority, skipped a line at a gas sales point in Santiago de Cuba, cutting ahead of people who had been waiting for hours to buy the much-needed gas cylinder.
This incident, also reported by Mayeta on Facebook, has sparked a wave of outrage among social media users, who noted that this type of abuse, where Cuban police and military personnel exploit their position, is a common practice in the country.
Understanding the Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
To provide a deeper insight into the situation in Santiago de Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What triggered the stoning incident at Banco Popular de Ahorros?
The incident was allegedly triggered by a young barber in a medical crisis, likely due to a lack of medication.
What issues are contributing to the cash crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
Corruption within the bank, including workers giving out cash at a rate to those involved in trafficking, and the control of queues by these individuals, are significant contributors.
How are the local authorities responding to these incidents?
Local authorities, including the police, are reportedly not taking action against these corrupt practices, claiming that there is no crime involved.
What has been the public reaction to these events?
The public has expressed significant outrage on social media, criticizing the frequent abuses of power by the police and military personnel in Cuba.