In recent days, a Cuban man was violently attacked on a Centro Habana street, and the three individuals involved were apprehended by law enforcement on Friday. The suspects, identified as Adolfo Javier, Alexander, and Yordan Keiler, were arrested shortly after the incident, according to a Facebook post by a user named Javier Gutiérrez. This user, like various other social media accounts sympathetic to the regime, often praises the Cuban police's actions against crime.
The post detailed that the assailants "stalked the victim, assaulted him with punches, inflicting injuries, and left him on the ground while they took his money and personal belongings." Gutiérrez applauded the arrest, remarking, “This time they were caught by the police, and now they face prison meals behind bars.” In his usual manner, he also lauded the authorities' actions and the community's cooperation, expressing gratitude for the joint effort that brought the culprits to justice.
Nevertheless, the source did not provide any information about the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, nor about their current health condition. This incident highlights growing concerns over public safety in Cuba.
An alarming report from the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) indicates that during the first half of 2024, there were 432 reported crimes, averaging 2.37 crimes per day, which significantly exceeds the numbers from the same period in 2023. Notably, these crimes included 91 murders, 260 thefts, 39 robberies, and 29 assaults, reflecting a marked increase in criminal activity compared to the previous year.
Although the Cuban government has acknowledged the rise in violence and crime, the perception of insecurity remains strong among the population. In October 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz conceded that while official statistics suggest a decrease in crimes compared to the previous year, citizens have yet to feel these improvements in their daily lives. Furthermore, in July 2024, President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted to the increase in violence, crime, and addictions in the country, attributing it to an "adverse socioeconomic scenario."
Understanding Crime in Cuba
What are the recent crime statistics in Cuba?
According to the Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit, the first half of 2024 saw 432 reported crimes, including 91 murders, 260 thefts, 39 robberies, and 29 assaults.
How has the Cuban government responded to the rise in crime?
The government has recognized the increase in violence and crime, with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz noting a disconnect between official statistics and citizens' experiences, and President Miguel Díaz-Canel attributing the rise to adverse socioeconomic conditions.