The Cuban authorities' lack of clear communication regarding the mass hit-and-run incident in Havana on August 25 has led to a flood of speculation and inaccurate reports, culminating in a series of public denials. Berto Savina, an Italian businessman, along with various representatives, including one of his private ventures on the island, and even his son, have all refuted claims of his involvement in the tragic event that claimed the life of a woman and injured eight others. The independent outlet 14ymedio reported on this incident on Wednesday.
Most recently, the currency store Casalinda, one of Savina's business ventures in Havana, issued an official statement emphasizing that there is "no evidence whatsoever" connecting him to the incident. The statement also highlighted that the businessman "continues his usual activities in Italy." The enterprise denounced the reports linking Savina to the hit-and-run as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of a supplier with over thirty years of business dealings in Cuba, many in partnership with the military conglomerate GAESA.
The first denial came from official spokesperson Humberto López, who asserted on social media that Savina, also the owner of Italsav, has "no association" with the incident and had been out of Cuba since August 18. López noted that the businessman has a "long-standing and reputable relationship" with the country, although he did not clarify who was actually detained as the driver.
Shortly thereafter, Gianluca Savina, the businessman's son, confirmed via Facebook that his father returned to Italy on August 19, six days before the accident. He labeled the information as "completely false" and announced plans to pursue legal action for defamation. "The individual responsible for the incident in Havana on August 25 is not Berto Savina," he wrote, adding that the Italian Embassy in Cuba has been informed.
Meanwhile, the official investigation remains shrouded in secrecy. The Ministry of the Interior has only stated that the perpetrator was a "foreign citizen," without disclosing their name or nationality. This lack of transparency, combined with Savina's documented connections with the Cuban elite—photographs show him alongside Fidel Castro, Esteban Lazo, and Miguel Díaz-Canel—has fueled suspicions of a potential cover-up.
The victim, Mairovis Valier Heredia, 34, died instantly. Her family has taken to social media to denounce the authorities' silence and demand justice. "I can't sleep or live. I demand the maximum penalty for the man who took my daughter's life," her mother declared, a plea that contrasts sharply with the wave of official and private denials that fail to clarify the true identity of the person responsible for the deadly incident.
Key Questions on the Havana Incident and Berto Savina's Involvement
What was the date of the Havana hit-and-run incident?
The incident occurred on August 25.
Who has denied Berto Savina's involvement in the incident?
Denials have come from Berto Savina himself, his business representatives, his son Gianluca Savina, and official spokesperson Humberto López.
What has the Ministry of the Interior disclosed about the perpetrator?
The Ministry has only revealed that the perpetrator is a "foreign citizen" without providing further details.