Enrique Pérez Fumero, a journalist with CMKC radio station and a university professor, remains critically ill but is showing slow signs of improvement, according to Víctor Hugo Leyva Sojo, the president of the Union of Journalists of Cuba (UPEC) in Santiago de Cuba. While his vital signs are stable, he can only engage in "simple conversations" with the medical team attending to him, and his overall recovery remains uncertain.
Pérez Fumero was brutally attacked during a robbery in the early hours of Sunday at the intersection of Barnada and San Mateo, right in Santiago de Cuba's historic center, just blocks from the Moncada Barracks. "His vital signs are stable, he engages in simple conversations with his care team. These are positive indicators, though we must wait for further developments," Leyva noted.
The assault resulted in a skull base fracture and multiple facial injuries, leading to his hospitalization in the Neurosurgery ward of Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital. After undergoing surgery, his condition escalated from intermediate to intensive care.
Reports suggest the assailants stole a pair of Converse shoes, a phone, and a wallet from him. However, Pérez Fumero's family does not rule out a homophobic motive due to the attack's extreme violence.
The incident was first reported by Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, a Santiago journalist now based in Washington, who criticized the prolonged silence of official media, which took more than 24 hours to cover the event.
Santiago de Cuba has seen a surge in violent incidents, including an attack on a vocational school student, the murder of a mother in front of her child, and assaults on medical personnel in hospitals. The case of Enrique Pérez Fumero has reignited discussions about public safety and press freedom in Cuba. The rise in violence and the institutional silence raise concerns about the protection of journalists operating in such hostile environments.
The attack and the lack of an adequate official response underscore the challenges faced by journalists on the island, where violence appears to be becoming normalized and authorities fail to provide effective solutions.
Understanding the Safety Concerns for Journalists in Cuba
What happened to journalist Enrique Pérez Fumero?
Enrique Pérez Fumero was violently attacked during a robbery in Santiago de Cuba, resulting in severe injuries and hospitalization.
Why is there concern about a homophobic motive in the attack?
The extreme violence of the assault has led Pérez Fumero's family to suspect a possible homophobic motive, in addition to the robbery.
How has the media responded to the attack on Pérez Fumero?
The official media were initially silent, taking over 24 hours to report on the incident, which drew criticism from other journalists.
What broader issues does Pérez Fumero's case highlight?
The case has spotlighted the growing concerns regarding citizen safety and press freedom in Cuba, and the challenges journalists face amid rising violence and inadequate responses from authorities.