The ongoing desecration of graves and thefts at the main cemetery in Camagüey has sparked outrage among local residents. This reaction followed independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada's publication of José Morell Rodríguez's testimony, who reported the violation of his family's remains.
According to Morell Rodríguez, he discovered the lock on the niche gate had been tampered with during a visit, leaving all the ossuaries open and the human remains, including skulls, missing. "What I saw was horrifying. I have the proper documentation for 10 boxes in the niche, all registered and ransacked, with the remains left exposed," he recounted.
He approached the cemetery administration but claimed to receive no response. "It seems these incidents go unnoticed by workers, guards, and administrative staff. These things happen frequently and nothing is done," Morell Rodríguez pointed out.
He strongly criticized the cemetery authorities' lack of oversight and accountability. "It's time to put an end to these unscrupulous acts and hold those responsible accountable. Such negligence cannot continue without consequence," he insisted.
This is not the first time desecration cases have been reported in Cuban cemeteries, where the theft of human remains and other acts of vandalism have become an escalating issue. Cubans lament that despite its historical significance, the necropolis faces alarming neglect, as evidenced by shared images.
Founded in 1814, the cemetery has deep historical ties to the local community, initially located on the outskirts of the Villa de Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe. Its origin is closely linked with the Parish of Cristo del Buen Viaje, established in 1792, which served as the burial site before the cemetery's existence, along with other churches like La Soledad, Santa Ana, and La Merced.
Nevertheless, this site’s rich history hasn't shielded it from governmental neglect. This neglect isn't recent; since 2019, numerous individuals have taken to social media to highlight the cemetery's deplorable state, a problem that extends beyond Camagüey.
Those affected are demanding decisive actions to prevent recurrence and call for increased security and oversight in cemeteries. So far, local authorities have not issued any official statements on these incidents, further heightening victims' frustration.
Inquiries About Camagüey Cemetery Desecration
What measures are being taken to prevent cemetery desecration in Camagüey?
Currently, there has been no official response from local authorities regarding measures to prevent further desecration and theft at the Camagüey cemetery.
How have local residents reacted to the cemetery vandalism?
Local residents have expressed significant outrage and frustration over the repeated vandalism and lack of action from cemetery authorities.
Why is the Camagüey cemetery historically significant?
The Camagüey cemetery, established in 1814, holds historical importance as it was part of the early community's burial practices, closely tied to the Parish of Cristo del Buen Viaje.