Transport Minister Condemns Taxi Driver's Violent Assault on Elderly Woman in Havana

Following a shocking incident of physical violence against an elderly woman by a taxi driver, Cuba's Transport Minister, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, has spoken out. The driver in question, employed by the state-run Taxis-Cuba, was captured in a viral video attacking the woman, who was revealed to be the aunt of his wife.

Although Rodríguez Dávila did not disclose the name of the aggressor, he clarified that the individual is a professional driver operating a classic car, known locally as a Gran Car, affiliated with Taxis-Cuba's Agency 9 in Havana. The minister mentioned that the incident involved "an elderly woman with a disability," adding complexity to the case.

Witnesses recorded the event on March 31, capturing the assault that sparked widespread outrage. The minister emphasized that "physical abuse and mistreatment are never justified under any circumstances."

In a statement released on Facebook, Rodríguez Dávila expressed strong condemnation of the event, labeling it a breach of both ethical and regulatory standards. He noted the driver committed two serious labor violations, contravening obligations related to social conduct and disrupting public order while on duty.

As a result, Taxis-Cuba terminated the driver's employment after an extraordinary disciplinary council, which included the presence of the aggressor and agency officials. The decision was made during a session that involved Joel Baro Denis, director of Agency 9; Ana Gloria Chang, the Gran Car union section’s general secretary; and Carlos Alberto Santiesteban, the base union section’s general secretary.

The driver has been handed over to law enforcement for further legal proceedings, with Rodríguez Dávila affirming, "There is no justification for physical abuse and mistreatment."

The minister praised the exemplary behavior of the majority of Taxis-Cuba employees, many of whom are tasked with sensitive responsibilities like transporting seriously ill patients. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to upholding its reputation and shared values, stating, "Taxis-Cuba's management has placed the case in the hands of authorities and completely rejects such behavior."

The incident gained significant attention after a video surfaced on social media, showing the driver delivering two forceful slaps to the elderly woman seated in the back of a convertible car, commonly used for tourist tours in Havana. The video, initially shared by the platform Cubanos por el Mundo, depicted the moment when the driver, seemingly provoked by the woman's restlessness, grabbed her hair and assaulted her.

While some witnesses shouted "Abuser!" during the incident, most bystanders failed to intervene, a fact that has also drawn criticism online. The viral footage sparked a demand for justice and led to the identification of the aggressor through the vehicle's license plate.