A mother of six has reportedly been detained in Holguín under allegations of illegal occupation after she and her husband, along with four of their children, took residence in a vacant state-owned property. The family resorted to this action due to the dire conditions of their previous home.
Activist Ernesto Almaguer Díaz brought the situation to light on Facebook, naming the woman as A.M.G. and asserting that her arrest occurred several days ago.
According to Almaguer, the detained woman was living with her husband and four young children in what used to be state offices, locally known as the Construction Materials Sales Point, located in the Hilda Torres neighborhood.
Almaguer highlighted that the state property was unoccupied when the family moved in and noted they had been living there for over a year. Previously, the family resided in a deteriorating home in the Rina Pacheco area, behind Holguín's Provincial Patrol Unit.
The activist explained that the family moved due to the hazardous condition of their former home, which had suffered structural collapse. He mentioned that the mother had sought housing assistance prior to their relocation.
Following the arrest, the four children were left in the care of their father. Almaguer reported that the family has since returned to their former residence, which he described as being on the verge of collapse and unfit for children.
Almaguer condemned the arrest as "arbitrary" and called for the mother's immediate release. He also hinted—without official confirmation—that the abandoned state property might be slated for another use, possibly influencing the authorities' actions against the family.
In Cuba, occupying property without permission is classified as usurpation, as outlined in Article 421 of the Law 151 of 2022, the Penal Code. This offense can result in imprisonment from six months to two years, fines, or both, with harsher penalties if violence or threats are involved.
The Cuban government has intensified its crackdown on such occupations in recent years. In January 2025, new measures were introduced to facilitate immediate evictions from illegally occupied homes and state properties, supported by the Penal Code and Decree 471 from the Supreme People's Court.
The legal framework requires that illegal occupation be proven in a criminal proceeding, with penalties varying based on the specifics of each case.
Holguín has witnessed similar housing disputes before. In 2023, a mother and her two children were evicted from a state property in Sagua de Tánamo after occupying it due to their own home's collapse and lack of reconstruction support.
Understanding Cuba's Legal Stance on Property Occupation
What are the potential penalties for illegal occupation in Cuba?
In Cuba, illegal occupation, known as usurpation, can lead to imprisonment from six months to two years, fines, or both. More severe penalties apply if violence or intimidation are involved.
What legal changes were announced in January 2025 regarding property occupations?
In January 2025, Cuba announced measures for immediate eviction from illegally occupied homes and state properties, supported by the Penal Code and a ruling from the Supreme People's Court.