More than a dozen individuals were taken into custody following a violent clash between police and residents in a Havana neighborhood. The police, reportedly using firearms, stormed the area with force, sparking outrage among the community.
The incident unfolded on Sunday in Marianao, near the Technological University of Havana (CUJAE), in a settlement known as Finca Traviesa. The police operation aimed to apprehend alleged illegal fuel sellers.
A family member of one of the detainees disclosed to Martí Noticias that plain-clothed officers violently entered the community, prompting residents to protest. "They fired shots in the neighborhood. Although no one was hurt, one shot was fired into the air and another aimed at a young man named Dainier Brook, who dropped to the ground. They barged in aggressively, wielding batons. They assaulted men who were merely questioning why shots were fired near children. Even if they were blanks, it's unacceptable," the witness criticized.
The detainees include elderly and sick individuals. A woman was arrested at the police station when she sought information about another detainee. She has since been released. The remaining 11 were initially taken to the Santiago de Las Vegas station. Some were later moved to the El Vivac detention center in Calabazar, facing charges of illegal gasoline sales. Others were sent to the Quinta Unit in Playa municipality, accused of assaulting authorities.
"Everyone seen in the video they recorded will be detained. The neighborhood is living in terror," the witness lamented.
The names of the detained are: Máiquel Pacheco, Greisy Yanki, Dunieski Jardi, Dailín Pérez, Yulier Gómez Canga, Yurisbel Larduet Despaigne, Daniel (known as Pasi), Dainier Brook. Additionally, Bárbara Duanes, a 67-year-old woman who was struck in the mouth; Landriel Kindelán Matos, 43, who suffers from hypertension, obesity, and heart disease and was not involved in the incident; and a man named Yoel, who does not reside in the settlement but was present during the operation.
Several videos circulating on social media depict the confrontations between the public and regime agents, showing the alleged use of firearms against civilians, including women and children.
A Facebook user, Pablo Mendoza, condemned the "gunfire" and use of "shotguns," sharing photos of bullet casings supposedly found at the scene. "How long will this continue with the people? They don't care about children, women, or the elderly. Look at this at CUJAE, how they treat people like animals. It's not enough that they make the people suffer; they also have to mistreat them. My people need freedom," Mendoza wrote in his post.
"They are abusers," he reiterated. In another instance, he stated, "This is Cuba, the police beating women."
Understanding the Havana Police Confrontation
What sparked the confrontation between the police and Havana residents?
The clash erupted during a police operation aiming to arrest alleged illegal fuel sellers in a neighborhood near the Technological University of Havana.
How many people were detained during the incident?
At least 12 individuals were arrested following the confrontation, including elderly and sick residents.
Were there any injuries reported from the police action?
Although shots were fired, no injuries were reported. However, there were allegations of aggressive behavior and assaults by the police using batons.