Cuban authorities detained a man identified as Yunierkys Betancourt Puentes this Saturday for allegedly harassing a 12-year-old girl in Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara. According to collected testimonies, the man verbally harassed the minor, saying inappropriate things that no adult should direct towards a child.
Although the harassment did not escalate to physical levels, the severity of the situation was sufficient for the girl's relatives to file a complaint with the local police. In response to the accusations, the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) of Sagua la Grande detained the individual and filed a formal complaint, according to the pro-government profile Tocororo Cubano on Facebook. The publication stated that the accused was fined, but because he could not or would not pay the fine, it was decided to send him to prison, where he remains awaiting trial. Additionally, he has been prohibited from approaching the girl.
On social media, there have been accusations that the authorities did not act with due seriousness and released the accused, something that the regime's profile attempted to refute. Cuba is experiencing a rising wave of gender violence, and there have been multiple reports of child abuse.
This week, the Provincial Court of Sancti Spíritus sentenced a man with HIV to 18 years in prison for sexually abusing a minor with a mental disability. The 55-year-old perpetrator disregarded his status as a carrier of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and engaged in sexual acts with the child multiple times without ever using protection.
The local press emphasized that this is not the only case of this nature to be tried in the Sancti Spíritus court this year.
Understanding the Rising Gender Violence and Child Abuse in Cuba
The following questions and answers delve deeper into the issues surrounding gender violence and child abuse in Cuba, providing more context and information.
What actions are being taken by Cuban authorities to address child abuse?
Cuban authorities have been detaining and prosecuting individuals accused of child abuse, as seen in the recent case in Sancti Spíritus. However, there are concerns about the seriousness and consistency of these actions.
How prevalent is gender violence in Cuba?
Gender violence is a growing issue in Cuba, with increasing reports of such incidents. The government and local authorities are under scrutiny for their handling of these cases.