Arsenio Silvera, a security guard at a warehouse and parking area in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, tragically lost his life on Saturday following a vicious attack at his workplace. Despite the severity of the incident, Cuban authorities have remained silent, with no official statement released.
Overlooked Threats Lead to Tragedy
According to family accounts shared by activist Magdiel Jorge Castro, the ordeal began with the theft of an electric motorcycle from the premises Silvera was assigned to protect. After the theft, Silvera reportedly faced a series of threats believed by his family to be linked to the stolen vehicle.
His relatives assert that he had reported these threats to the police before the attack occurred, but these warnings were seemingly ignored, and the tragedy unfolded regardless.
Discovered in Critical Condition
Relatives recount that Silvera was found alive but gravely injured, lying in a pool of his own blood at his workplace. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition, where medical staff informed his family of the need for intensive care. However, he initially remained in the emergency department without receiving the necessary treatment.
The family further alleged that the ambulance meant to transfer him to the Hospital Universitario General Calixto García never arrived, exacerbating the anxiety during his medical care. Unfortunately, Arsenio Silvera succumbed to his injuries.
Official Silence and Continued Frustration
The family's grievances extend beyond Silvera's death, as they lament the slow and opaque process surrounding the transfer of his body to Guanajay, Artemisa Province. To date, there is no official information regarding the perpetrators of the attack, the precise details of the incident, or the status of any police investigation.
All available details come from the testimonies of Silvera's family, relayed through the aforementioned activist.
Wave of Violence in San Miguel del Padrón
Silvera's death is part of a disturbing trend of violence in San Miguel del Padrón. On the same day, a group of masked individuals stormed a small business in Reparto Juanelo, firing shots inside, injuring an employee, and spraying the owner, leading to partial blindness.
"There's no one to control crime in Cuba," remarked a witness to the robbery, as reported by journalist Camila Acosta.
Security Guards: Common Targets of Violence
Silvera's case is not an isolated incident on the island. In August, Rafael Jiner Guerra, a 64-year-old guard with 34 years of service, was killed during a robbery at the Ernesto Guevara Teaching General Hospital parking lot in Las Tunas. Three young men aged between 21 and 25 were arrested in connection with the crime, but their identities and charges remain undisclosed.
Electric motorcycles, like the one stolen from Silvera's workplace, are frequently targeted in Cuba due to their high value on the black market, often exceeding $2,000.
Escalating Crime Without Official Data
The Cuban Observatory of Citizen Audit (OCAC) reported a 43% increase in murders during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, with cases rising from 63 to 90. The lethality rate of crimes also nearly doubled, jumping from 5.23 to 10.35 deaths per 100 crimes.
Cubalex documented 52 homicides in August 2026, marking a monthly record since monitoring began in 2024, following the 37 reported in July.
Understanding the Rising Crime in Cuba
What led to Arsenio Silvera's death?
Arsenio Silvera died after being brutally attacked at his workplace in Havana. His family believes the attack was linked to threats he received following the theft of an electric motorcycle he was guarding.
How has the Cuban government responded to the incident?
There has been no official response or statement from the Cuban authorities regarding Silvera's death, and details of any investigation remain unknown.
What is the situation with crime in San Miguel del Padrón?
San Miguel del Padrón has seen a spike in violent incidents, including the assault on a small business by masked individuals, highlighting the growing crime problem in the area.