A statement from the pro-government social media page "Heroes in Blue" has confirmed the arrest of a taxi driver involved in the violent attack on an elderly woman in Havana. This development comes after the Cuban Minister of Transport had initially announced the arrest. "This individual was taken into custody and first brought to the PNR station in Cerro, then moved to the PNR station in Mariano where the incident took place," the post detailed, without naming the attacker.
The government-backed source emphasized that the driver, employed by the Gran Car agency of Empresa Taxis-Cuba in the capital, will "face criminal charges for the action," though specific charges were not disclosed. "There is no justification for physical abuse or mistreatment under any circumstances," the statement concluded.
In the comments section of the post, several individuals demanded that the situation not be resolved with merely a fine, urging for legal action against the driver's wife and the victim's aunt, who was present during the assault but did not intervene on behalf of the elderly woman.
Public Reaction and Official Response
On social media, while some users praised the Cuban authorities for their prompt response to the incident, others expressed skepticism about whether a substantial legal penalty would ultimately be imposed on the perpetrator of this disgraceful act, which has sparked widespread outrage.
Previously, Cuban Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, clarified that the incident occurred on March 31 and involved a professional driver of a classic car (Gran Car) associated with Agency 9 of Taxis-Cuba in Havana. The victim, he noted, was "an elderly woman with a disability, who is the aunt of the driver's wife." The minister condemned the attack as not only unethical but also a breach of regulations, highlighting two serious workplace violations committed by the driver.
Consequences for the Driver
"The driver breached obligations 2.2.18 related to compliance with social conduct norms. Additionally, he violated article 7.7 concerning public order disturbance while providing service," the minister stated. As a result, Taxis-Cuba terminated his employment contract following an extraordinary disciplinary hearing attended by the attacker and agency leaders.
The Viral Video that Sparked Outrage
The incident gained significant attention after a video circulated on social media showing the driver delivering two forceful slaps to an elderly woman seated in the back of a convertible vehicle. The footage, initially shared by the platform Cubans Around the World, depicted the man grabbing the woman's hair and striking her when she seemed restless.
While some bystanders shouted "Abuser!" during the event, most did not intervene to stop the assault, a fact that has also been criticized by online users. The scene prompted a wave of social media comments calling for justice and the identification of the attacker through the vehicle's license plate, which eventually led to his arrest.
Key Questions on the Assault Incident in Havana
What charges is the Cuban taxi driver facing?
The specific charges against the driver have not been disclosed, but he will face criminal charges for his actions during the incident.
How did the public react to the video of the assault?
The video sparked widespread outrage and demands for justice across social media, with many criticizing both the driver and those who did not intervene.
What actions has Taxis-Cuba taken against the driver?
Taxis-Cuba has terminated the driver's employment contract following a disciplinary hearing.