An altercation between two students at "Wenceslao Rivero" Secondary School in Las Tunas city concluded with one student suffering facial injuries from a pencil. The incident, as confirmed by the official local newspaper of Las Tunas, transpired on Tuesday, September 2, just before classes were dismissed.
Eulicer Escalona Escalona, the municipal Director of Education, reported that the clash occurred inside a classroom when one teenager attacked his classmate, resulting in "scratches" on the face. The injured student received medical attention at the Piti Fajardo clinic, where a medical certificate indicated that there were "no severe physical consequences."
Following the event, the General Directorate of Education in the municipality clarified that "analyses" were conducted with the involved students and their families, and disciplinary and administrative measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The episode has stirred concern within the school community and among parents, who are demanding greater control in educational institutions to avert violent episodes.
The information was initially disseminated by independent Cuban reporters like Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared a video of the event recorded by a student. The rapid spread of the violent altercation compelled authorities to address it, albeit days after the attack.
Numerous internet users have challenged the official account, asserting that the weapon used by the attacker was not a pencil, based on details shown in the video. They also dispute that it was merely a "scratch" as described by the regime's press, noting that the video depicts the aggressor repeatedly thrusting a sharp object into the victim's neck and back.
Comments have also highlighted the absence of any teachers in the classroom at the time of the violent incident and noted that none were seen nearby. "Don't downplay the incident by labeling it as mere indiscipline; it's an act of violence without fatal consequences but still a bloody event. You love to gossip about all the violent acts happening in schools around the world, especially in the U.S.," one person remarked.
This altercation raises questions about the responsibility of teachers and administrators in ensuring student safety and underscores a pervasive climate of violence that is becoming increasingly visible in Cuba.
Understanding the Violent Incident in Las Tunas
What caused the altercation at the Las Tunas Secondary School?
The altercation occurred between two students inside a classroom, where one student attacked the other, leading to facial injuries caused by a pencil.
How did the authorities respond to the incident?
The municipal Director of Education confirmed that analyses were conducted with the students and their families, and that disciplinary measures will be taken to prevent future incidents.
What discrepancies exist between the official version and reports by independent sources?
Independent reports challenge the official account by suggesting the weapon was not a pencil and that the injuries were more severe than described, as shown in a video of the incident.