A young motorcyclist was the victim of a violent assault in the province of Las Tunas after being hired to make a trip by someone who ended up ambushing him in a secluded place with the intention of stealing his vehicle.
The attack was initially reported on Facebook by the user Omar Sayut, who shared a video of the victim's mother's reaction as she arrived at the scene accompanied by police officers.
According to testimonies collected by the user Irma Broek, the young man was lured under false pretenses to a remote rural area, where he was ambushed by at least two hooded assailants.
The alleged passenger hit him with his own helmet and then threw a stone at his head, causing an injury whose severity has not yet been officially confirmed.
In the midst of the attack, the victim managed to escape by running, while one of the assailants chased him with a knife. Despite the violence, the young man was able to reach safety, although he lost his motorcycle in the incident.
In the video, the victim's mother can be heard, visibly distraught and crying, as she walks alongside two police cars down the same path where the attack took place.
"This is terrible, terrible," he repeats, after describing how his son was injured by a rock.
The assault, which nearly ended in tragedy, has caused outrage on social media and among the local residents.
The motorcyclist is dedicated to transporting passengers, a common practice on the Island due to the chronic shortage of public transportation.
Although it is a common source of income, it also carries considerable risks, as demonstrated in this case.
So far, authorities have not issued an official report, nor have any arrests related to the incident been reported.
However, the young man's family is demanding a thorough investigation and the recovery of the stolen vehicle, which represents their main source of livelihood.
In Cuba, motorcycle theft has been on the rise in recent years, particularly in urban and suburban areas, where it has become a phenomenon affecting both self-employed workers and ordinary citizens.
Electric and combustion motorcycles are becoming increasingly valuable in a context of energy crisis and transportation restrictions, making them frequent targets for crime.
This new case underscores the urgency of more effective measures to prevent assaults and protect those who, amidst precariousness, rely on their informal work for survival.
As the community waits for a clear institutional response, many are questioning how many similar incidents need to occur before citizen safety becomes a real priority for the authorities.
Frequently asked questions about insecurity and motorcycle theft in Cuba
What is the main reason for the increase in motorcycle thefts in Cuba?
The rise in motorcycle thefts in Cuba is primarily due to the energy crisis and transportation restrictions, which have increased the demand and value of these vehicles. This situation has turned motorcycles, both electric and gas-powered, into attractive targets for crime.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to combat these thefts?
Until now, the Cuban authorities have not issued official statements nor have significant arrests been reported in relation to motorcycle thefts. Despite the growing concern among citizens, the lack of effective and preventive action from the government has been widely criticized.
How can owners protect their motorcycles from theft?
Owners can take preventive measures to protect their motorcycles, such as not leaving them unattended in unsafe places and ensuring they use appropriate locks and security devices. However, the responsibility for preventing these crimes also falls on the authorities, who must implement more effective security measures.
What impact does insecurity have on informal transportation in Cuba?
Insecurity severely impacts informal transportation in Cuba, which is an important source of income for many Cubans due to the scarcity of public transport. The risks associated with assaults restrict the ability of informal workers to operate safely and sustainably.
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