The Cuban activist Alberto Turís Betancourt Pérez took to the streets this Wednesday to protest against the sale of drugs in his Jesús María neighborhood in Old Havana. Fearless of any repercussions, Alberto marched with a sign in each hand, shouting that in his block—Gloria, between Carmen and Rastro—drugs such as chemical substances, crack, and heroin are being sold.
"No one cares; the regime's complicity is obvious. The Police do nothing. Mothers are tired of having their belongings stolen. The people are dying, and no one cares," he stated.
Alberto Turís highlighted that his life might be at risk because he is not only speaking out against the regime but also against all the criminals selling drugs without any punishment. "They are destroying Cuba's youth with impunity. A 'chemical' costs less than a soda. They get high every day; they live for it. Enough is enough," he emphasized.
The video of the protest was shared on the Facebook profile of Generosidad Cristiano Jerusalén, where the activist urged viewers to make it go viral. "Drugs are destroying my neighborhood, my block," he lamented.
"I don't care if they call me a snitch ten times over. The real snitches are those who, through their silence, allow young children to die, people to be robbed, and murders to occur in the Jesús María neighborhood," he added.
Understanding the Drug Crisis in Cuba
In light of Alberto Turís' recent protest, it's crucial to address some key questions about the drug crisis in Cuba. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide a clearer picture of the situation.
What types of drugs are being sold in the Jesús María neighborhood?
According to Alberto Turís, drugs such as chemical substances, crack, and heroin are being sold in the Jesús María neighborhood in Old Havana.
Why does Alberto Turís believe the regime is complicit in the drug trade?
Alberto Turís claims that the regime's complicity is evident because the police take no action against the drug dealers, allowing the illegal activities to continue unchecked.
What are the consequences of the drug trade in the neighborhood?
The drug trade has led to increased crime, theft, and the deterioration of the community, with young people becoming addicted and families suffering from the loss of their belongings and loved ones.