Jan Franco, a vibrant 19-year-old aspiring music producer, was tragically murdered in Havana two months ago, raising serious concerns about increasing violence on the island.
Once labeled “the safest country in the world” by Fidel Castro, Cuba currently faces a troubling rise in youth violence, which contradicts the nation’s longstanding reputation for safety.
Jan Franco was fatally stabbed in a gang-related incident outside a recording studio in the low-income neighborhood of Cayo Hueso, highlighting the disturbing transformation of Cuba’s streets.
His sister, Samantha González, expressed her grief, pointing out that an alarming number of young people have been victims of violence this year. “The violence is getting out of hand,” she stated, attributing the surge to gang conflicts.
She revealed that arguments are rarely settled through fists anymore, as weapons like knives and machetes have taken precedence. This grim trend is exacerbated by the emergence of a new drug, known as “quimico,” popular among Havana’s youth.
The Cuban authorities, known for their strict control over the narrative surrounding crime, have acknowledged the rising drug problem for the first time in years. State-run media recently aired discussions addressing these issues, a significant departure from the past.
In an August broadcast, officials openly recognized the impact of “quimico” on the island’s youth, marking a rare admission of the existence and influence of drugs within Cuba.
While the government maintains that only a small percentage of crimes in Cuba are violent, public perception reflects growing disillusionment with the safety narrative. Skepticism surrounds official crime statistics, with many questioning their accuracy.
The Supreme Court of Cuba asserted confidence in the authorities’ capability to maintain order, but recent experiences report otherwise. Victims like Shyra, a transgender activist, share stories of inadequate police response to crimes, further eroding trust in law enforcement.
As Samantha remembers her brother, Jan Franco’s life cut short by violence, she embodies the pain felt by countless families affected by the rising crime in Cuba. His funeral served as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the changing landscape of safety on the island.
