Spokesperson for Cuban Regime Attempts to Justify Release of Alleged Animal Abuser in Cienfuegos

The official social media account, Las Cosas de Fernanda, often acting as a spokesperson for the Cuban regime, recently shared an extensive clarification on social media in an effort to rationalize the release of Yordanis Torres Mendoza. Torres has been accused by numerous activists and online users in Cienfuegos of animal abuse and sexual misconduct. According to the Facebook post, Torres was released due to a diagnosis of passive schizophrenia. This psychiatric condition, the post argues, prevents authorities from taking legal action against him, as he is considered "ill" and "unaware of his actions."

The post also highlights that the police did not receive a formal complaint at the Cienfuegos station, thus hindering legal proceedings. Moreover, in Cuba, acts of zoophilia are not considered a criminal offense but rather a misdemeanor, subject to fines under the Animal Welfare Law, without criminal consequences.

Animal rights activists are criticized in the post, being labeled as "extremely outraged with aggressive tendencies," and urged to exercise moderation. The post appeals to the image of justice as a "calm, balanced, and blindfolded" figure. It warns that without rational thinking, "we will become as savage as the act we seek to bring to justice."

Additionally, the post lists countries where legal loopholes regarding zoophilia exist, suggesting the issue is complex and controversial worldwide. However, the post fails to address that Cuba's lack of specific legal measures for such cases is a fundamental flaw in the legal system, not merely a "technical detail" comparable to other jurisdictions.

The post concludes with a statement that has deeply angered activists: "Poor animals!... but also, poor Yordanis!" It suggests a false equivalency between the victims and the alleged abuser, while thanking the police for their "impartiality" following Torres's arrest and quick release, despite activists claiming to have presented substantial evidence.

The response was swift. Various animal protection groups and social media users condemned the stance of Las Cosas de Fernanda for downplaying the seriousness of the allegations and for blaming the public for demanding justice. Among the numerous comments, Rache Rache's stood out for its strong criticism of the justification attempt surrounding the case.

"People will say anything to create content," she expressed, pointing out that the profile's stance demonstrates not only an alarming lack of empathy but also a grave disconnect from basic ethical principles. In her view, only in Cuba would doctors and police fail to consider the kidnapping, rape, torture, and murder of animals as serious crimes, acts recognized as grave offenses elsewhere in the world.

Rache also highlighted the danger Torres poses to the community, noting that he wanders with knives, terrorizing neighbors who already suffer from the constant stench of dead animals and the haunting cries of his victims. "Such a person should not be roaming freely on the streets," she warned, emphasizing that the threat extends beyond animals to the neighborhood's children.

Public outrage, far from being "extremism," reflects a legitimate concern over institutional neglect in a case that affects both the security and dignity of humans and animals.

Another voice adding to the indignation was Irina Diéguez Toledo, who acknowledged that the accused might suffer from mental illness but strongly questioned the lack of real medical and social intervention in his case.

"Is he medicated? Does he have specialized medical monitoring?" she asked, while recalling that this is not the first instance the animal welfare community has faced a similar situation, where an aggressor is released without real protective measures for the community or animals.

Diéguez also referenced a video where Torres is seen having a black dog taken from him, at which point he seems to distinguish right from wrong, suggesting a degree of awareness about his actions.

From Havana, Irina mentioned having spoken with animal activists from Cienfuegos, confirming that many fear filing complaints due to the man's aggressive nature, as he has been seen with a knife.

She questioned the effectiveness of the current Animal Welfare Decree Law, criticizing it as "flawed" with "trivial fines," and reminded that modifications to include animal cruelty in the Penal Code have been demanded for years.

"I cannot feel sorry for a sick person who mistreats, rapes, and kills animals with total impunity," she asserted, adding that if he truly is a psychiatric patient, he should receive treatment and possibly be hospitalized, for his own good and that of society.

Her message concluded with a direct warning: "They are provoking us. And if they do not respect us, we will take to the streets because they have no voice."

The Cubana Animalista account also refuted several claims made in the official post. Contrary to the assertions of Las Cosas de Fernanda, this user confirmed that a formal complaint was indeed filed against Torres and that conversations were held with his mother and brother, who refused to take responsibility for him.

Additionally, it was noted that the man had previously been admitted to psychiatric hospitals but was repeatedly released despite the risks he poses.

"He is a life that has ended dozens of others and continues to threaten people," she warned emphatically.

The activist clarified that the animal rights movement does not seek lynchings or acts of vengeance, but rather an institutional and humanitarian solution that protects both animals and the community.

"We are not talking about 'bugs' or 'insects'; we are talking about lives that feel, suffer, and cry," she emphasized.

The demand is clear: take serious and definitive action, including his placement in a psychiatric facility with ongoing care, with no more excuses or neglect. For the protective society, impunity is not an option, and animal suffering cannot continue to be minimized or ignored.