[WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT] A video that has rapidly spread across social media has sparked widespread outrage among Cubans, both on the island and abroad. The footage captures a man violently assaulting an elderly woman in broad daylight on a public street.
The video, initially shared by Cubanos por el Mundo, shows the driver of a flashy convertible "almendrón," typically used for tourist rides around Havana, grabbing an elderly woman by the hair as she sits in the back of the vehicle and delivering two forceful slaps with an open hand. Another woman is seen beside the elderly lady—who appears to suffer from a degenerative disease—also struggling with her.
Glenda Rancaño, an activist who shared the video on Facebook, expressed her anger and helplessness: "I feel so much rage and impotence. This beast has hit that lady like she’s a sack. Please, let the networks work their magic and reveal who he is. For God’s sake! Shameless criminal. You wouldn’t do this to a man!"
Public Outcry and Calls for Justice
Hundreds of comments demand justice, urging the identification of the assailant through the car's license plate, as well as the woman sitting next to the elderly victim, who can be heard yelling in the video: "Don't bite me!"
In various forums where the video has been posted, numerous internet users have not only condemned the attacker and his companion but also criticized the bystanders who witnessed the violence and did nothing to stop it. However, after the two brutal slaps, some voices in the video shout "Abuser!" and other derogatory terms at the attacker, who even displayed a defiant attitude.
"There is no empathy for anyone's life, much less for vulnerable seniors. Lots of shouting and filming, and even the phrase: 'huge slap to that old lady.' It's outrageous! That seems like a new rich entrepreneur"; "Everyone records as always... and no one does anything," lamented a couple of netizens. "They should report him and put him behind bars," demanded another visibly shocked user.
Rapper Michael Marichal suggested it would be easy to find the abuser by tracking the car, a classic vehicle he claims appears frequently in music videos filmed in Cuba. "If he does that on the street, imagine at home! The elderly woman is probably ill. But under no circumstances should an elder be abused like this," another commenter complained.
Although unconfirmed, some Facebook users have speculated that the attacker and his accomplice might be relatives of the elderly woman, even though Cubanos por el Mundo referred to the attacker as a "taxi driver."
The public demand is clear: bring the assailant to justice. Many have called for an official complaint backed by the video evidence and the vehicle’s visible license plate. "Humanity is gone," one user sadly stated, while others have urged for the video to be widely shared—despite its distressing content—to swiftly identify those responsible.
Key Questions on the Assault Incident
What triggered the outrage over the video?
The outrage was triggered by a video showing a man brutally attacking an elderly woman on a public street in Cuba, which rapidly went viral on social media.
Who shared the video initially?
The video was initially shared by Cubanos por el Mundo, a platform known for highlighting issues in Cuba.
What has been the public's reaction to the incident?
The public has expressed widespread outrage, calling for justice and the identification of the attacker and his accomplice through the car's license plate.