Inmate on Temporary Release Arrested for Assaulting Young Woman in Santiago de Cuba

A suspected sexual assault has shaken the Veguita de Galo neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba. A man, temporarily released from prison, allegedly assaulted a young woman in broad daylight on the street. According to eyewitness accounts and a video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta, the incident occurred when the alleged perpetrator, identified as Rafael (known as "Felo"), the son of a well-known local newspaper vendor, followed the victim from 11th Street in the neighborhood.

He attacked her viciously, and according to the young woman’s statement, raped her. The victim managed to escape, visibly battered and dazed, down 15th Street until she found refuge at the home of a street vendor. Neighbors immediately came to her aid and notified her family. Soon after, police officers arrived and took the assailant into custody. During his arrest, Rafael claimed that the victim "was not underage," a statement that disgusted the community.

This incident marks a case of recidivism, as the perpetrator was serving a sentence for a previous assault and had been granted a temporary release. This fact has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the judicial system and policies regarding social reintegration.

Public Outcry and Demand for Justice

In the comments section of the publication, many internet users expressed shock and anger, questioning how someone with a history of sexual offenses could be allowed to roam freely without effective supervision. "These criminals shouldn't be on the streets with temporary passes. Anyone who commits such a crime should serve their full sentence without benefits," declared one frustrated neighbor. Another added, "A criminal will remain a threat no matter what."

Calls for justice are accompanied by demands for urgent legal reforms. The case not only highlights the brutality of the crime but also the institutional weaknesses that allow such incidents to occur repeatedly. It underscores the flaws in the prison control systems and casts doubt on the effectiveness of reintegration programs for dangerous offenders, especially amid increasing public insecurity.

The incident also brings to light the vulnerability of women and girls in poorly lit areas—there was a power outage at the time of the incident—lacking surveillance and institutional response to gender-based violence.

A Collective Cry of Frustration

Citizens' comments on social media reflect a widespread sentiment of anger, fear, helplessness, and exhaustion. Here are some of the most representative viewpoints of this general discontent:

• "Women need to wake up. Instead of styling courses, we should learn self-defense"; "The problem is if you defend yourself, you end up in jail. The justice system is disgusting"; "We need a leader like Bukele in Cuba, God help us!"
• "The country is rotten. They release rapists while political prisoners can't even see their families."
• "This isn't just in Santiago. It's happening all over Cuba, and the law protects no one."
• "Criminals have privileges while the public lives in fear."
• "Once a person commits rape, they'll do it again. That's not something a temporary release can fix."
• "Why was a repeat offender allowed to walk freely in the same neighborhood where he previously attacked?"
• "I demand prison without visits, privileges, or mercy for these despicable individuals."
• "It's a monstrous act. The poor girl is scarred for life."

Many voices point out that power outages, lack of police patrols, and institutional neglect are breeding grounds for such crimes. There are also calls for self-defense: "Carry a needle and use it if necessary" or "Keep spray, even if it's perfume, to blind them."

The recurring sentiment is that political prisoners are buried alive, but a rapist is released on a temporary pass as if on vacation, a notion echoed repeatedly. Unfortunately, this case is not an isolated incident but a severe symptom of a broken system regarding prevention, justice, and victim protection.