An elderly man, aged 69, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer in Santiago de Cuba while on his way to work during the early hours of October 3rd. This incident was brought to light by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, who shared the details on Facebook this past Sunday. The victim, identified as Omar Tejeda Centilet, resides in the Calle Nueva and San Francisco area within the city's main municipality.
According to Mayeta's account, the elderly man was attacked without any apparent reason by an officer from the National Police, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. The alleged attack happened around 5 a.m. as Tejeda walked through the darkened streets of Barnada on his way to his job as an electrician at the “Antonio Maceo” International Airport.
Tejeda was wearing his work uniform and carrying a backpack with his lunch and tools when an unidentified man commanded him to halt. Fearing a robbery, Tejeda quickened his pace toward the illuminated corner of Aguilera, unaware that the individual was a police officer.
Details of the Assault
The officer allegedly ordered a dog to attack Tejeda, resulting in a bite to his leg, before physically assaulting him. During the scuffle, Tejeda realized his assailant was armed and dressed in civilian clothes. Despite being handcuffed, the officer continued to strike him, as confirmed by eyewitnesses cited by Mayeta.
The attack continued near the Provincial Party building, where the uniformed officer—identified by locals as "Yurito," a patrol group leader in the city center—inflicted head injuries, rib fractures, and multiple bruises on Tejeda.
Community Reaction and Witness Intervention
Witnesses reported that the assault was only halted by an individual who emerged from the Party building, intervening when they saw the elderly man, handcuffed and bloodied, unable to defend himself further. A nearby café employee also stepped in, recognizing Omar as a "serious and hardworking man."
After the incident, the officer allegedly attempted to cover up what happened, with orders reportedly given to delete medical records from the hospital where Tejeda was treated. The family reported missing surgery, orthopedic, internal medicine, and neurosurgery certificates, despite the severity of his injuries.
Call for Justice and Broader Implications
Mayeta stated that Tejeda is recovering, showing stable progress but still suffering from physical and emotional repercussions. His family is demanding an immediate investigation and punishment for the involved officer, who they claim remains active in his role.
"My father is not a criminal. He was on his way to work and was attacked by a drunken police officer using a trained stray dog to assault people. We don't want silence, we want justice," a family member told the journalist.
Recent instances of police brutality in Cuba have sparked growing public outrage, particularly when vulnerable citizens are targeted under defenseless circumstances. In Güines, a teenager was violently arrested for selling produce in a park. Neighbors reported that the young man, an orphan known for his good behavior, was subdued with excessive force by agents of the Revolutionary National Police, an act deemed as harassment and abuse of power.
Similar events have transpired in Centro Habana, where a man was beaten after peacefully protesting against ETECSA's rates. According to his testimony, he was taken to a police station, assaulted in a dark room, and subjected to attempted suffocation with water. He reported the abuse with medical evidence of his injuries.
In the capital, footage of two officers unjustifiably beating a young construction worker provoked public anger. The incident took place in a parking lot where officers apprehended him after he parked his motorcycle. Witnesses confirmed the young man offered no resistance and was arrested without explanation, while real criminals evade justice, according to citizen reports.
In Matanzas, a man was attacked for demanding urgent medical attention for his wife. Officers beat him with batons and sprayed him with pepper spray at the Colón hospital.
Structurally, a report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights revealed that at least 95 people have died at the hands of law enforcement over the past five years, including more than 40 prisoners in 2024. Additionally, 287 cases of non-lethal police violence were recorded. The document highlights that these aggressions predominantly target opposition members, protesters, and impoverished citizens, reflecting a systematic pattern of impunity by the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about Police Brutality in Cuba
What happened to Omar Tejeda Centilet in Santiago de Cuba?
Omar Tejeda Centilet, a 69-year-old man, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer in Santiago de Cuba while on his way to work. The officer, reportedly intoxicated, attacked Tejeda without apparent reason, using a dog to bite him and physically assaulting him.
How is the community reacting to incidents of police brutality in Cuba?
There is increasing public outrage in Cuba over police brutality, especially when vulnerable citizens are targeted. Several recent incidents have sparked protests and demands for justice, highlighting a pattern of abuse and impunity among law enforcement.
What actions are being taken against police violence in Cuba?
Families and communities affected by police violence in Cuba are demanding investigations and accountability. Despite these calls, there is a pervasive issue of impunity, with many officers remaining active in their roles despite allegations of misconduct.