Authorities in Bayamo have apprehended those responsible for the brutal murder of a bicycle taxi driver. According to the pro-government Facebook page, El Cubano Fiel, the perpetrators attacked their victim mercilessly during the early morning hours while he was operating his bicycle taxi. The incident unfolded at the park in the Latinoamericano neighborhood of Bayamo.
The attackers intended to steal the victim's bicycle taxi and belongings, subjecting him to a violent assault. Despite being rushed to the hospital in grave condition, the driver succumbed to his injuries after several days of medical care at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital.
Following an extensive investigation, the suspects have finally been taken into custody. Despite claims from the Cuban regime that crime rates are declining, statistics tell a different story. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has stated that the trend is downward, yet the figures remain high.
Nevertheless, the Cuban Citizen Audit Observatory (OCAC) reported 1,319 verified crimes from January to June 2025, nearly five times the number recorded during the same period in 2023, and surpassing the total for all of 2024. This equates to 7.3 crimes daily, setting a historic record that highlights the rising crime wave and the diversification of criminal activities on the island.
Among the findings, there were 721 thefts, including 193 cases of cattle theft and slaughter, underscoring the direct link between the food crisis and criminality. Furthermore, 63 murders were documented, with victims including women, minors, and the elderly, 16 of which were classified as femicides.
On Saturday, it was reported that the bodies of Francisco Torres Rodríguez, aged 80, and his son Yaciel Torres Remedio, aged 46, were discovered on a farm in the mountainous area of the Candelaria municipality in Artemisa province. The local official newspaper, El Artemiseño, reported the discovery at a location known as El Cusco farm, within the Las Terrazas community.
The Ministry of the Interior (MININT) in Artemisa has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that, so far, the perpetrators of this violent act have not been identified.
Crime Escalation in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What was the motive behind the murder of the bicycle taxi driver in Bayamo?
The attackers intended to rob the victim of his bicycle taxi and personal belongings, leading to a violent assault.
How does the Cuban regime's crime statistics compare with independent reports?
While the Cuban regime claims that crime rates are declining, independent reports from the OCAC indicate a significant increase, with record-high crime rates in recent years.
What other crimes have been reported alongside the murder in Bayamo?
The OCAC reported various crimes, including thefts, cattle rustling, and numerous murders, reflecting a broader crime wave in Cuba.