A regular patron of a bar in Santiago de Cuba was involved in a heated altercation with one of the establishment's security guards, with no intervention from other security staff or police officers. The incident occurred on Saturday, September 7, at Bar-Cafeteria M'ka, located at the busy intersection of Enramadas and Alameda streets, as reported on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The fight, for which exact details remain scarce, started "just before the nightclub closed," around five in the morning, according to the establishment’s social media hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.). According to Mayeta Labrada, the security guard "used his combat skills to strike the young man." The reasons behind the brawl and whether anyone was injured remain unknown.
A video sent to the journalist showed "how the young man fell to the floor after the security worker delivered a 'deadly blow,' while his colleagues at M'ka looked around to ensure no one intervened." "They finally separated when they decided to do so, and the customer was led away from the area," added the reporter, urging M'ka’s management to share "their version of this regrettable fight, in which one of their employees was involved."
This is not the first time disturbances have been reported at this venue. According to Mayeta Labrada, "a well-known young entrepreneur from Santiago de Cuba, named Leo Mustelier, was punched in the eye by a security worker, forcing him to medicate for several weeks while his eye remained bruised." Mustelier "did not take any legal action against the employee or M'ka, as their representatives visited the injured young man, and the aggressor personally apologized," the reporter added.
These incidents are part of the growing violence plaguing the country, where poverty, social unrest, and lack of hope and opportunities for the youth create a breeding ground for violent outbursts among Cubans.
Recent Violent Incidents in Santiago de Cuba
Last Friday, news broke of a fight in the San Luis municipality of Santiago de Cuba, where a mother-in-law and her son-in-law engaged in a heated argument filled with shouting and foul language in the middle of the street. The altercation occurred in the Cuatro Caminos neighborhood and initially involved the mother-in-law and son-in-law, but then escalated to include the daughter and the man's alleged mistress, with both women coming to blows.
A video shared by Mayeta Labrada showed the fight between the two young women, with neighbors attempting to intervene while the man at the center of the dispute looked on without taking action.
There have been multiple reports of similar violent incidents in Santiago de Cuba. In April, a street fight on the famous Trocha street left one person severely injured and requiring hospitalization. In July, Santiago residents expressed concern on social media over a violent brawl among youths on Colón street. A video depicted nearly 12 individuals involved in the confrontation, some wielding sticks and others throwing stones.
Recently, a worker at a market in Santiago de Cuba threatened a customer with a bat after the customer claimed they were being shorted on their sugar ration.
In each of these cases, residents of the province have called on authorities to effectively combat the growing violence in the area, which has even cost lives.
Understanding Violence in Santiago de Cuba
Below are some questions and answers to help understand the rising violence in Santiago de Cuba and its implications.
What sparked the recent fight at Bar-Cafeteria M'ka?
The exact reasons behind the altercation are unknown, but it involved a regular patron and a security guard.
Has violence at M'ka been a recurring issue?
Yes, there have been previous incidents of violence at M'ka, including an attack on entrepreneur Leo Mustelier by a security worker.
What are the broader implications of these violent incidents?
The rising violence in Santiago de Cuba is reflective of broader social issues, including poverty, unrest, and a lack of opportunities for the youth.