On Thursday, Humberto López, a spokesperson for the Cuban regime, dismissed claims that Italian citizen Bartolomé (Berto) Savina was involved in the multiple hit-and-run incident that occurred in Havana on August 25th. In a Facebook post, López asserted, "Italian citizen Bartolomé (Berto) Savina has no connection to the unfortunate event that took place in Havana during the early hours of August 25. He has been outside of Cuba since Monday, August 18."
López, a presenter on the state-run television, further elaborated that Savina has "a longstanding and respected relationship with both the country and its people." Regarding the accident, which resulted in one death and eight injuries, López mentioned that an ongoing investigation is underway, assuring that the authorities will provide updates on the case "in respect of due process rights and guarantees."
The spokesperson criticized certain media outlets and individuals for "manipulating and exploiting the pain as a weapon," accusing them of repeated dishonesty. What López failed to mention, however, is the regime's silence on the investigation, sparking numerous theories about the true perpetrator.
Shortly after the tragic event, Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT) stated that a 35-year-old woman died in the early hours after being hit by a foreign national. The statement lacked details about the responsible party. The individual reportedly drove a car at high speed, hitting several people in various locations across Centro Habana and Habana Vieja, according to a brief official release.
The Ministry of the Interior's report noted that the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m., with the driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, striking a total of nine people on public roads. They emphasized that the perpetrator was apprehended by law enforcement and is under investigative proceedings. Authorities are working to clarify the circumstances surrounding this "regrettable" incident, as characterized by MININT.
The regime felt compelled to deploy one of its key official voices, Humberto López, after the independent newspaper 14yMedio reported on Wednesday that the individual detained for the August 25th hit-and-run was Berto Savina, an Italian businessman with close ties to Fidel Castro and owner of the Casalinda foreign exchange store. This revelation, linking Savina directly with Cuba's ruling elite and showcasing him in photos alongside Miguel Díaz-Canel, prompted a swift response from the propaganda machinery to refute the claims.
The investigation by 14yMedio relied on sources who, given the alleged close involvement with the Castro leadership, requested anonymity. The secrecy surrounding the case, along with the public outcry from the victim's sister days after the incident, has only heightened the mystery.
Days have passed since Mairovis Valier Heredia, 35, was fatally struck on Galiano Street in Havana, and her family maintains they have not received clear information from authorities about the person responsible. Amidst brief official statements, journalistic investigations, and denials from its spokespersons, the regime has avoided the most straightforward action: disclosing who was accountable for the fatal hit-and-run in Havana.
Key Questions About the Havana Hit-and-Run Incident
Who is Bartolomé (Berto) Savina?
Bartolomé (Berto) Savina is an Italian businessman known for his close ties with the Cuban government and former leader Fidel Castro. He is the owner of the Casalinda foreign exchange store.
What are the details of the Havana hit-and-run incident?
The incident occurred on August 25th, resulting in the death of a 35-year-old woman and injuries to eight others. A foreign national drove a vehicle at high speed, hitting several people across Centro Habana and Habana Vieja.
What has the Cuban government said about the investigation?
The Cuban government has confirmed an ongoing investigation and assured that the authorities will respect due process. However, they have not disclosed the identity of the driver involved in the incident.