The Cuban nurse Aroni Yanko García Valdés has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Santa Clara Municipal Court for posting a meme on Facebook featuring images of Miguel Díaz-Canel, Raúl Castro, and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
The young father of three was accused of aggravated contempt, a crime in Cuba that applies to those who threaten, defame, insult, or offend high-ranking government figures. This offense carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison on the island. "The prosecutor emphasized that the act was a sign of disrespect towards the figures of the revolution and stated that the meme was a clear offense of aggravated contempt," said Yunisley Suárez Rodríguez, García Valdés' wife, in a statement to Martí Noticias.
The family plans to appeal the court's decision, she added. The woman recounted that the trial lasted approximately two and a half hours and was conducted under strict security measures, allowing only the accused's family to enter.
García Valdés, who is the father of three children, was working at the Capitán Roberto Fleites Polyclinic, commonly known as Malezas among Santa Clara residents, at the time of his arrest. He was detained on April 3 and transferred to La Pendiente Prison after a brief detention at the State Security Crimes Unit.
The prosecutor sought the maximum sentence of three years' imprisonment for García Valdés. "This type of repression is characteristic of totalitarian regimes that seek to control freedom of expression to maintain their power," commented journalist José Raúl Gallego.
Questions about Aroni Yanko García Valdés' Case
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the sentencing of Aroni Yanko García Valdés and the broader implications of his case.
What was Aroni Yanko García Valdés accused of?
Aroni Yanko García Valdés was accused of aggravated contempt for posting a meme that featured high-ranking government figures.
What is the maximum penalty for aggravated contempt in Cuba?
The maximum penalty for aggravated contempt in Cuba is three years in prison.
Where was García Valdés working at the time of his arrest?
He was working at the Capitán Roberto Fleites Polyclinic, also known as Malezas among Santa Clara residents.
What did journalist José Raúl Gallego say about the sentence?
José Raúl Gallego commented that this type of repression is typical of totalitarian regimes that seek to control freedom of expression to maintain power.