Eduardo Longa, a renowned Cuban rock drummer, was viciously attacked and suffered significant injuries during a mugging in Havana on Sunday night. The assailants aimed to steal his motorcycle along with other personal belongings. Known in the Cuban music scene as "El Longa," he sustained multiple injuries from the brutal attack, as reported by his friend, photojournalist Enrique de la Osa, on Facebook. The images shared depict the severity of the violence that could have been fatal for the drummer.
"The beating has caused him severe trauma," De la Osa disclosed. "Stitches inside his mouth and nose, a deviated septum, bruises on his arms, and several head lacerations, in other words, they intended TO KILL," he added. Longa is uncertain whether he was struck with a bat or stones, which he described as "sad."
The attackers made off with Longa's electric scooter, wallet, phone, bank cards, and helmet. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. after Longa left the Submarino Amarillo club in Vedado. "Poverty has been bearing fruit for some time," De la Osa remarked. He also appealed to friends in Cuba and Miami for assistance, particularly in obtaining medications for the musician. Anyone wishing to help can contribute through him in the United States or Giordano Serrano Werder, known as Yordi, in Havana.
Serrano also condemned the attack on social media, pleading for aid in his friend's recovery. "Friends in Cuba or abroad, I ask you to send any medicine or help you can provide, please do so, and contact Yenny Casanueva or me, and I will ensure it reaches him," he requested. He specified that they urgently need supplies for wound care, anti-inflammatory medications, and pain relievers.
The incident has sparked concern and outrage among friends and acquaintances of the well-known drummer from the rock band Pyra, as well as many others alarmed by the increasing violence and insecurity in the country. This case represents a growing trend of extreme violence in Cuba, with muggings often escalating to murder.
"Crime has taken over the streets, Cuba is no longer safe. Where will we end up?" and "We're all in danger of dying, those criminals roam the streets with impunity," were some of the comments following the distressing event. These sentiments reflect the Cuban public's anxiety over frequent assaults, thefts, and crimes that endanger residents amid an escalating crime wave exacerbated by ineffective law enforcement.
These incidents fuel the debate over the deteriorating public safety in Cuba, worsened by a deep economic depression and institutional collapse affecting all state levels.
Questions on Rising Crime and Safety in Cuba
What injuries did Eduardo Longa sustain during the attack?
Eduardo Longa suffered severe trauma, including stitches inside his mouth and nose, a deviated septum, arm bruises, and multiple head lacerations.
What was stolen from Eduardo Longa during the mugging?
The attackers stole Eduardo Longa's electric scooter, wallet, phone, bank cards, and helmet.
How has the attack on Eduardo Longa impacted the Cuban community?
The attack has caused significant concern and outrage among Longa's friends, acquaintances, and the broader Cuban community, highlighting fears over rising violence and insecurity.
What assistance is being requested for Eduardo Longa?
Assistance is being sought for medications, including supplies for wound care, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers to aid Eduardo Longa's recovery.