The assailant who attacked Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez, a young Christian mother and former Ministry of Labor employee, with a knife on a street in Santiago de Cuba this past Thursday has been identified as 22-year-old Vladimir Andreu Fernández, known by the alias "Chepín".
According to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, Andreu Fernández has a history of psychiatric issues and drug use, with multiple prior admissions to the Gustavo Machín Psychiatric Hospital in Jagüa. However, despite his record of violent episodes, he was recently discharged due to a shortage of beds, as reported by neighbors and family members.
A relative of the attacker described the challenges they've faced with his condition: "There is no justification for what he did, but we brought him in for admission, and despite the doctors being aware of his mental state, they sent him back home."
The incident has sparked outrage on social media and within the local community, who are demanding legal action against the attacker and improvements in psychiatric care within the country. "They should do what's necessary, and if keeping him permanently detained at the Psychiatric Hospital is the solution, so be it. But in this country, there's nothing for these sick individuals," Mayeta quoted an unnamed family source as saying.
The assault left the woman with a severe facial injury that required immediate medical attention.
Concerns About Psychiatric Care in Cuba
Who is Vladimir Andreu Fernández?
Vladimir Andreu Fernández, also known as "Chepín", is a 22-year-old with a history of psychiatric problems and drug use. He is the attacker who assaulted a woman in Santiago de Cuba.
What response has the community shown regarding the attack?
The community and social media users have expressed outrage, calling for legal action against the attacker and improvements in psychiatric care in Cuba.
What challenges are faced by the family of the attacker?
The family has struggled with the lack of long-term psychiatric care for Andreu Fernández, despite his history of violent episodes and mental health issues.