A man was apprehended by authorities after attacking a pedestrian with a knife and machete in Holguín in an attempt to steal a necklace. According to Cazador Cazado, a Facebook profile linked to the Cuban regime, "Fidel Díaz Fariñas tried to act tough on Agramonte Street, at the corner of Narciso López, wielding a machete and knife to snatch a necklace from a passerby."
The victim was assaulted but fortunately did not suffer serious harm. Swift police action subdued the attacker, who was quickly arrested. The post, which is utilized by the Cuban police to publicize such incidents, noted, "With the string of offenses he already has, he's not going to have it easy. They've locked him up."
Rising Public Safety Concerns
The surge in street violence, coupled with the inadequate response from the authorities, is increasingly contributing to a sense of insecurity among citizens. The regime attempts to mitigate this perception through these social media posts.
On April 30, two tourists were assaulted in Old Havana. The victims, young Russian women who had arrived in Cuba for a 12-day vacation in Varadero, were attacked while strolling through Old Havana. The assailants repeatedly struck them and managed to steal a purse from one, containing cash, personal documents, and a passport.
Just a few days prior, another tourist was violently mugged on Aguiar Street, between Amargura and Teniente Rey, in the heart of Old Havana. In the chaos, one of the attackers left a sneaker behind. This brazen daytime assault was witnessed by local residents, who expressed anger and frustration over the lack of an adequate police response.
Common Questions About Crime in Cuba
What measures are being taken to address street violence in Cuba?
The Cuban government has been utilizing social media to report incidents and assure the public of police action, but there is widespread criticism regarding the effectiveness and timeliness of these responses.
How common are tourist-targeted crimes in Cuba?
While Cuba is generally considered safe for tourists, there has been an uptick in incidents where tourists are targeted, especially in crowded areas like Old Havana. Visitors are advised to stay vigilant.
What should tourists do if they fall victim to a crime in Cuba?
Tourists should immediately report any crimes to local authorities and their respective embassies. They should also take precautions such as safeguarding their valuables and avoiding isolated areas.