A brutal incident occurred on the night of August 9 at the South Polyclinic in Palma Soriano, located in Santiago de Cuba province, leaving three individuals wounded. Among the injured was a nurse who, according to local residents, suffered multiple stab wounds to the chest while on duty. She was urgently transported to the Saturnino Lora Provincial Hospital, where she underwent surgery.
The Facebook page "Héroes del Moncada," linked to the Ministry of the Interior in Santiago de Cuba, reported that the assailant, a 32-year-old self-employed man, stormed the facility wielding a knife. He attacked the nurse, a security guard, and another person present at the scene. Witnesses promptly alerted the police, who subsequently apprehended the suspect. Authorities are currently investigating to determine the motive behind the attack. The official statement indicated that the young man had no connection to the victims and no prior criminal record.
However, social media posts have emerged contradicting the official narrative of the arrest. "That's a lie. The police didn't catch anyone. If the clinic staff hadn't beaten him up and tied him, he would still be on the street," one user claimed on the "Héroes del Moncada" post. Others complained that the police were called multiple times and only arrived when "it was too late, as usual."
Independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada initially reported the incident on Facebook. In his post, neighbors of the assaulted nurse, described as "a very good person," recounted how the attacker "first grabbed her by the neck and then stabbed her several times" with no prior relationship between them. Some suspect that the young man was under the influence of drugs, amidst an increasing wave of violence attributed to the economic crisis, power outages, social stress, and substance abuse.
Expressions of outrage also highlighted the perceived impunity and institutional decay. "This isn't the first case in Palma, and the authorities do nothing. Investigators are complicit. The law should be tougher; human life isn't valued, but kill a cow, and you'll get 20 years," one internet user lamented, also accusing the security agencies of corruption and inaction.
Others emphasized the vulnerability of healthcare workers in Cuba, who operate in precarious conditions and are exposed to violent episodes. "It's very sad to see public health personnel attacked when they often strive to do their best despite inadequate conditions," another user noted, pointing out that similar incidents have occurred across various provinces without effective measures being implemented.
Local authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing to uncover the motive for the attack. Meanwhile, the community in Palma Soriano remains shaken, demanding concrete actions to curb the violence that residents claim has become a daily occurrence on the island.
Understanding the Surge in Violence in Cuba
What led to the arrest in Palma Soriano?
The arrest followed a violent attack at the South Polyclinic in Palma Soriano, where a young man allegedly stabbed a nurse and injured two others. The attacker was eventually detained by police after witnesses intervened.
What are the suspected motives behind the attack?
While the official investigation has yet to determine the motive, some believe the attacker was under the influence of drugs. The incident is also seen as part of a broader trend of violence linked to economic hardship and social issues in Cuba.
How has the community reacted to the incident?
The community in Palma Soriano is deeply disturbed by the attack and has called for decisive actions to address the rising violence. Many residents criticize the authorities for their perceived inaction and lack of effective measures.