Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez, a young woman whose face was slashed by a man in a street in Santiago de Cuba, is reportedly recuperating well from her injuries. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared on Facebook that Yerlanis underwent surgery at the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital.
"The young mother is currently surrounded by her family and loved ones who are supporting her during this time," Mayeta Labrada stated. He highlighted that the victim, a graduate in Psychology and Social Work, is a devout and humble resident of Santiago. "Those who know her personally and professionally, as I do, are well aware of the kindness she exudes," he emphasized.
Yerlanis works as a vendor at a local café known as La Maltera in the Artes y Oficios neighborhood, where the attack took place. A neighbor described the injury as so severe that "even her teeth were visible."
The attacker, identified as 22-year-old Vladimir Andreu Fernández, also known as "Chepín," has a history of psychiatric issues and drug use, with multiple admissions to the Gustavo Machín Psychiatric Hospital (Jagüa). Relatives disclosed that Chepín was recently discharged due to a shortage of available beds, despite his violent history.
Psycho-Social Challenges in the Cuban Health System
"There's no justification for what he did, but we admitted him, and although the doctors knew about his mental condition, they sent him back," a family member of Chepín remarked, noting his drug use. "This isn't his first crisis; he's been hospitalized more than four times due to drugs and becomes aggressive even with family. Once he spiraled, we called an ambulance, and they took him. The next day, he was back because there were no beds, despite knowing the type of patient he is," they explained.
Many in the community consider the perpetrator to be opportunistic, using his mental health issues and addictions as an excuse to evade consequences. "He should face whatever measures are necessary, and if permanent confinement in the Psychiatric Hospital is the solution, so be it. But in this country, there's nothing in place for people like him," a relative insisted.
Mayeta Labrada sent Yerlanis a warm embrace and all his support, wishing her a swift recovery. "We also demand that the party and government authorities of Santiago de Cuba take exemplary actions against these aggressors with mental illnesses and drug problems. It's unacceptable for them to commit crimes and then roam the streets again, terrorizing their families and neighbors," he stressed.
Heightened Security at the Crime Scene
Following the attack, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, the scene was attended by an ambulance, several police patrols, and a unit from the regime's special forces, known as the Black Berets, to prevent any attempts at vigilante justice. "The area is now under military control," stated Yosmany Mayeta.
Witnesses from the outset of this violent incident confirmed that the attacker was a psychiatric patient who was unbalanced due to a lack of medication and had no prior connection to the victim.
Understanding the Incident in Santiago de Cuba
Who is Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez?
Yerlanis Iglesias Ramírez is a young mother from Santiago de Cuba, known for her work in Psychology and Social Work, who was recently attacked in her neighborhood.
What is the background of the attacker?
The attacker, Vladimir Andreu Fernández, alias "Chepín," is a 22-year-old with a history of psychiatric issues and drug use, who has been hospitalized multiple times.
What measures were taken after the attack?
After the attack, the area was secured by police, ambulances, and special forces to control the situation and prevent any vigilante actions.
What are the criticisms regarding the health system in this case?
Critics argue that the Cuban health system failed by releasing the attacker from the psychiatric hospital due to a lack of beds, despite his known violent tendencies.