Custodian Assaulted and Injured at Santiago de Cuba Children's Hospital

An alarming incident occurred at the Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, commonly referred to as “La Ondi,” where a female security guard was attacked and injured by two young assailants. This troubling event was reported on Sunday.

Yosmany Mayeta, a communicator, shared preliminary details on Facebook, criticizing the police for their lack of response. Instead of arriving at the scene to investigate, the police directed the injured custodian to visit the station to file a report. "Two young men assault and injure a female custodian at the 'La Ondi' Children's Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, and the police don't come to collect evidence. They tell her to come in to make a statement," Mayeta highlighted in his post.

The identity of the victim remains undisclosed, and further specifics about the incident have not been shared. This attack has sparked concern and anger among many, highlighting the increasing insecurity and societal violence both in Santiago de Cuba and across the country.

A healthcare worker expressed her concerns, questioning the safety of personnel on duty across various sectors, particularly pointing out the vulnerability of women in these roles. "What security do we have, especially those of us in the healthcare field? If even custodians are not respected, we are all at risk of being attacked. We might have to carry weapons for self-defense because the police and Cuban laws remain silent," she lamented. Another woman urgently called on authorities to implement strict measures, emphasizing the lack of security in the nation.

Many citizens believe that addressing crime is not a priority for the police or other authorities, who swiftly and harshly act against those who protest or oppose the government.

In late November, there were also reports of thefts targeting patients and their companions at the Dr. Antonio María Béguez César Children's Hospital South, also in Santiago de Cuba.

The assault on the hospital custodian comes just weeks after the murders of two other custodians at their workplaces—the state-run agricultural market El Santiaguero and Café Continental restaurant—as well as an attack on a third custodian at El Acuario restaurant, who survived the incident. These crimes have shocked Santiago de Cuba's residents, illustrating the escalating violence within Cuban society in recent years.

On Thursday, authorities arrested the suspect, identified as Alex Recasén Suárez, believed to be responsible for these murders. Recasén was reportedly released from prison about a year ago and has since been involved in forceful robberies and the recent attacks on the custodians, according to information from Mayeta.

Police investigations suggest that Recasén did not act alone, and efforts are underway to determine if he is connected to other criminal activities in the area.