Sady R. Companioni, a Cuban mother residing in the Lawton neighborhood of Havana, reported on Friday that four uniformed police officers arrived at her home to detain her. This incident occurred weeks after she publicly voiced numerous complaints about the lack of water and the threats she claimed to have received after demanding this essential service.
"Four uniformed police officers, including one from the Search and Capture unit, just showed up at my house to take me to the Aguilera police station without any prior summons," Companioni wrote on Facebook this Friday.
According to her account, her parents and her six-year-old daughter were present in the home when the officers arrived.
"As expected, my parents were there along with my six-year-old who got very anxious and started crying," she added.
In her post, Companioni did not specify the formal reason given by the authorities for her arrest.
Ongoing Intimidation Over Water Supply Complaints
The incident occurred just a day after she once again reported harassment linked to water supply issues in her area.
On Thursday, she posted a message titled "I'M SCARED!!" where she publicly held a local official responsible for anything that might happen to her.
Companioni stated that a water truck had arrived in her neighborhood to supply certain residents, excluding her home from the distribution.
As she stepped outside, a woman, identified as someone she had previously clashed with, began filming her with a phone. The woman reportedly told the truck driver, "Look, she's the one who doesn't need water, she doesn't need it," and warned Companioni that she would report her to the sector chief for alleged "defamation" related to her prior posts.
"I'm scared; my daughter depends on me, my family depends on me," Companioni wrote, emphasizing that fear would not silence her protests. "Being scared doesn't mean I'll sit back and stay silent."
History of Conflict with Local Authorities
The tensions between Companioni and local officials date back to at least early August.
At that time, she revealed that her family had endured 15 consecutive days without water or electricity and had approached the Lawton government command center seeking a solution.
Instead of receiving assistance, she claimed she was shuffled from one office to another and threatened with a police call.
Her household consists of five individuals ranging from six to 73 years old, with several family members reportedly ill at the time.
Days later, Companioni reported being excluded from the water distribution from a truck stationed on her street, with a police officer allegedly threatening her with arrest if she tried to photograph or document the event.
"If anything happens to me from now on, I want it known that they are completely responsible," she warned at the time.
Severe Water Shortage Crisis in Havana
Companioni's persistent complaints come amid a prolonged water supply crisis in Havana, exacerbated by power outages due to the electrical dependency of much of the capital's pumping systems.
In July, more than half a million Havana residents were affected by water supply disruptions.
Understanding the Water Crisis in Havana
Why was Sady R. Companioni detained?
Sady R. Companioni was detained by four uniformed police officers without a prior summons, following her public complaints about the lack of water and alleged threats she received related to her demands for this essential service.
What actions did Companioni take regarding the water supply issue?
Companioni publicly denounced the exclusion of her home from water distribution and expressed fear due to intimidation. She held a local official responsible for any harm that might come to her.
How severe is the water shortage in Havana?
Havana is experiencing a prolonged water supply crisis, worsened by power outages affecting the capital's pumping systems. In July, over half a million residents faced disruptions in water supply.