An armed altercation erupted this Tuesday in Callejón del Carmen, located in the historic center of Santiago de Cuba. The incident forced some local entrepreneurs to defend themselves against provocations from two armed youths, reportedly residents of the Los Pinos neighborhood.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries, as reported by journalist Yosmany Mayeta on Facebook. The causes of the altercation remain unknown. However, Mayeta pointed out that misunderstandings between vendors and customers are common on this street, which is dedicated to independent business activities.
Frequent Conflicts in Callejón del Carmen
"The fights that occur here often involve entrepreneurs who sell phones or repaired equipment as if they were new, leading to distrust and resulting in some fights and arguments days later," Mayeta explained.
Callejón del Carmen in Santiago de Cuba is a small street designated by the local government for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Currently, it hosts dozens of businesses, including phone repair shops, shoe and handmade clothing vendors, and photography studios.
The province of Santiago de Cuba is experiencing a troubling increase in violent incidents in the early months of 2024, a trend confirmed by the Prosecutor's Office to the state-run media. Elizabeth Govea Maceo, chief prosecutor of the Provincial Department of Criminal Processes, admitted that there has been a "high incidence of events" related to violent acts and crimes against life and personal integrity, according to a report from the newspaper Sierra Maestra.
However, this surge in violence is not unique to Santiago de Cuba. Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez acknowledged the rise in violence, crime, and addictions across the country, citing an "adverse socio-economic scenario."
During the closing speech of the third session of the National Assembly's tenth legislature, Díaz-Canel highlighted that the continuous efforts of the Ministry of the Interior and judicial bodies, in close collaboration with the public, have allowed the detection, prevention, and confrontation of various criminal behaviors and trends in recent years.
Understanding the Recent Surge in Violence in Santiago de Cuba
Given the recent increase in violent incidents in Santiago de Cuba, it is essential to understand the underlying factors and the measures being taken to address this issue. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding this situation.
What caused the altercation in Callejón del Carmen?
The exact causes of the altercation remain unknown. However, misunderstandings between vendors and customers are common in this area.
Are violent incidents increasing in Santiago de Cuba?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in violent incidents in Santiago de Cuba in the early months of 2024.
What measures are being taken to address the rise in violence?
The Ministry of the Interior and judicial bodies are working closely with the public to detect, prevent, and confront various criminal behaviors and trends.