The Cuban state media reported on several individuals who were tried for violent crimes in Santiago de Cuba, including a case where a young man was killed. The trial for case number 123 of 2024 took place in the hall for crimes against state security in the Penal Division of the Provincial People's Court. Three men faced charges of attempted murder, homicide, public disorder, and illegal possession of weapons.
The incident occurred on December 4, 2023, at 1:30 am during a birthday celebration at km 12 and a half, El Castillito, in the town of El Cobre. According to the Sierra Maestra newspaper, the defendants had concealed a large knife and a machete in their clothing, which they used to kill a young man, attempted to murder another, and injured four others.
"They turned the festive occasion into a dangerous and violent atmosphere for the young people and families present," the report stated. The court sentenced the offenders, whose names were not disclosed to the media, to 20, 25, and 30 years in prison, along with the revocation of rights and a ban on leaving the country.
Additional Violent Crime Addressed
In a separate case, a man was involved in an attempted violent robbery at 5:00 am, at the intersection of Corona and Enramadas streets. "Upon noticing the victim, the accused approached with a knife and threatened to stab them unless they handed over their eyeglasses, which were later recovered," the report detailed. Having been convicted twice before for similar offenses, the thief received a 10-year prison sentence, along with the revocation of rights, a travel ban, and confiscation of the knife.
Both the convicted individuals and the prosecution have the option to appeal the court's decision. Sierra Maestra emphasized that throughout the handling of both cases and during the oral trial, procedural guarantees and due process were maintained.
Understanding the Legal Proceedings in Cuba
What charges were the three men in Santiago de Cuba facing?
The three men were charged with attempted murder, homicide, public disorder, and illegal possession of weapons.
What was the outcome of the robbery case in Santiago de Cuba?
The individual involved in the attempted robbery was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with additional penalties including the revocation of rights, a travel ban, and confiscation of the knife.