A taxi driver operating a Gazelle vehicle in Havana reportedly sustained a head injury requiring four stitches after an alleged assault on Saturday. The incident, described as "vandalism," involved the Gazelle H12-232 from Route 20 of Metrotaxi's Agency No. 12, as reported by a social media account aligned with the Cuban regime.
According to a post by Luis Augusto Rodríguez in the Ministry of Transport's Facebook group, the driver was injured when "a group of delinquents" hurled stones at the taxi shortly after it departed from a taxi stand in the Playa municipality. The driver received medical attention at the Hospital Finlay, while passengers endured the distressing event and a window of the Gazelle was shattered.
The post further mentioned that two suspects have been apprehended following the incident. In recent months, Havana has witnessed several such episodes. On April 22, another vehicle, a bus from route 37, was similarly attacked with stones during an early morning route in the Santos Suárez neighborhood of the 10 de Octubre municipality.
Recent Surge in Attacks on Public Transport
This Sunday, Cuba's General Prosecutor's Office announced ongoing criminal proceedings concerning vandalism incidents targeting public transport buses in the capital. A statement published on their website confirmed that the perpetrators have been identified, apprehended, and are currently in provisional detention as the investigation continues.
These recent attacks, characterized by the throwing of stones and other hard objects at service vehicles, have caused significant material damage, including broken windows, windshields, and doors, alongside injuries to passengers and drivers. The Prosecutor's Office has labeled these acts as having "high harmfulness," sparking widespread concern among residents who rely on a transportation system already strained by resource shortages and economic hardships.
Legal Actions and Government Response
The Prosecutor's Office has vowed to act according to its constitutional mandate and with respect for the procedural rights of those involved. It intends to pursue public criminal actions in court against those responsible, demanding penalties that reflect the severity of the crimes committed.
Last week, Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila acknowledged that while these attacks are "not a new phenomenon," they are typically addressed with strict measures.
FAQs on Vandalism Incidents in Havana
What happened to the taxi driver in Havana?
The taxi driver sustained a head injury requiring four stitches after a group reportedly threw stones at his Gazelle taxi.
Have there been similar attacks in Havana recently?
Yes, Havana has experienced a series of similar incidents, including an attack on a bus on April 22.
What is the government doing in response to these attacks?
The Prosecutor's Office is pursuing legal action against the perpetrators, and the Transport Minister has stated that these incidents are being addressed with strict measures.