In a shocking incident highlighting the growing lawlessness in Cuba, water tanks from the Martin Luther King Jr. Center (CMLK) meant for impoverished families in eastern Cuba have been stolen. Although the police claim to be investigating, the theft underscores a troubling trend of increasing impunity.
Yuliet Teresa Villares Parejo, the CMLK's Communication Coordinator, took to Facebook to report the theft of these crucial containers, which belong exclusively to the Marianao-based institution in Havana. She explained that the tanks were intended to be donated to families in dire situations, especially in eastern Cuba, where such a resource is vital for survival and hope.
Villares urged the public not to purchase the stolen tanks under any circumstances and provided contact numbers for anyone with information that could assist in their recovery. She emphasized that "the police are already investigating," yet public reactions on social media quickly revealed widespread frustration over the pervasive sense of impunity and the rising number of thefts.
"By the time measures are taken, it's too late; theft is constant, and you're being watched daily... the police are nowhere to be found," commented Rosabel Manso Ruiz, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Other comments lamented the direct impact on the most vulnerable families, with Jarocha Reyes Vega noting, "These criminals have no respect for anything," and Mercedes Echemendía exclaiming, "How much longer will this impunity last?"
Established in 1987, the CMLK is a Cuban ecumenical organization with Christian inspiration, dedicated to promoting emancipatory values, human rights, equality, and popular education. The rise in crime, including violent robberies and daylight thefts, has sparked growing concern among Cuban citizens, who feel increasingly at risk from unchecked criminal activity.
Crime Wave and Public Outcry in Cuba
Recently, a wave of robberies by a group of teenagers has alarmed residents of the Yarayó neighborhood in Santiago de Cuba, who have voiced concerns over the impunity with which a gang of minors, aged 15 to 16, operates. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported that the group targets an area known as El Fuego, a hotspot for informal trade, where several thefts have occurred during the early hours.
On the morning of August 4th, journalist and scientist Enrique Pérez Fumero, affiliated with the official CMKC station and a university professor, suffered a brutal assault during a robbery in Santiago de Cuba. Authorities arrested six men two days later, linked to the murder of a guard and the near-fatal assault of another during a robbery at an agricultural cooperative in the municipality of Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba.
A young Cuban teacher also reported a violent mugging near her home on August 8th, just before her 30th birthday. Additionally, Cuban activist Yamilka Laffita, known online as Lara Crofs, reported the theft of a car belonging to her neighbors in Havana, seeking public assistance to locate it.
In recent days, noted audiovisual producer and social activist Lizette Vila experienced a home burglary in the Nuevo Vedado neighborhood of Havana. According to Sergio E. Cabrera, general coordinator of the Project Palomas, the thieves stole numerous valuable items during the early hours.
In contrast, the band Adalberto Álvarez y su Son managed to recover musical instruments and equipment stolen days earlier from the iconic Salón Rosado de La Tropical in Havana, as confirmed by Brayan Álvarez, the pianist and son of the late "Caballero del Son" and current director of the group.
The Cuban government has acknowledged the worrisome escalation of violent crime on the island, including the use of firearms. It has pledged to conduct exemplary trials against those committing severe offenses, particularly those targeting state institutions.
Understanding the Rising Crime in Cuba
What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat crime?
The Cuban government has promised to implement exemplary trials for serious crimes, especially those affecting state institutions, as part of its efforts to curb the rising crime rates.
How are citizens reacting to the theft of water tanks from the CMLK?
Citizens have expressed outrage on social media, highlighting the increasing impunity and the detrimental impact on vulnerable families who depend on resources like these water tanks for survival.