The community of Palma Soriano in Santiago de Cuba is reeling from what appears to be a grave incident of police misconduct following the arbitrary arrest of Roberto Bonne Lugo, a 39-year-old known locally as "Petillo."
Eyewitnesses report that on December 4, two officers from the Revolutionary National Police (PNR) stormed into a home without a warrant, in search of someone else entirely.
Unable to locate their intended target, the officers proceeded to apprehend Roberto, who had no connection to the case and for whom there was no legal basis for detention, according to independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada via his Facebook account.
Witnesses described the scene as Roberto was violently subdued and taken away in front of neighbors, family, and friends.
His 11-year-old son witnessed the ordeal, watching helplessly as his father was forcibly removed from their home without any legal proceedings.
It has been roughly 48 hours since his arrest, and there remains no official word on his whereabouts, the source indicated.
To date, the PNR has not issued any report or explanation to justify the arrest, heightening the anxiety of family and friends who are demanding transparency, justice, and the safe return of Roberto.
The informant who reported the incident requested anonymity, fearing potential repercussions, Mayeta highlighted.
At the end of November, several individuals in Santiago de Cuba faced detention, accused by the regime of painting anti-government graffiti in the city.
Under Cuban law, such graffiti or political messages opposing the government are categorized as "enemy propaganda" or "disrespect for authorities," offenses that can carry penalties of up to eight years in prison.
Additionally, Cuban authorities have obstructed the attorney of political prisoner William Sosa, based in Las Tunas province, from accessing crucial documents in his case file, suddenly classified as "secret" and "sensitive material," a legal maneuver leaving him defenseless at a critical juncture.
Sosa was detained by State Security, charged with "disobedience," an offense in the Cuban Penal Code that, according to activists and organizations, is frequently employed to punish citizens who voice critical opinions of the nation's circumstances.
In November, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention declared that 49 participants of the July 11, 2021, (11J) protests in Cuba were detained "arbitrarily for political and ideological reasons, without due process or defense."
Understanding Arbitrary Arrests in Cuba
What are the legal grounds for arrest in Cuba?
In Cuba, arrests are supposed to be carried out based on legal justifications, such as an existing warrant or evidence of a crime. However, reports suggest that arbitrary arrests occur, often lacking proper legal basis.
How has the international community responded to Cuba's arbitrary detentions?
The international community, including the United Nations, has expressed concern over arbitrary detentions in Cuba. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has condemned such practices, particularly following the protests on July 11, 2021.
What are the consequences of anti-government graffiti in Cuba?
In Cuba, anti-government graffiti is considered "enemy propaganda" or "disrespect for authorities," which are serious offenses that can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to eight years.