Rodolfo Benavides Paneque, a resident of the Camilo Cienfuegos neighborhood in the Isle of Youth, is calling for justice for his son, Rodolfo Benavides Lorenzo, via social media. His son is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for alleged drug trafficking. The father claims his son was wrongfully implicated with insufficient evidence and highlights irregularities in the case.
According to Benavides Paneque, the main suspect in the marijuana trafficking operation, identified as Frank, fled the country before the trial, leaving his son to take the fall. "I will not rest until justice is served," he emphasized in two Facebook posts. Benavides Paneque argues that the investigators, including Ernesto Casasayas Peña and Major Lesqui, acted under pressure to produce results in what has been described as the largest drug trafficking case on the island.
"My son never sold drugs, and at the time of the alleged incidents, he was working as a dancer in Cayo Largo del Sur," he stated. The father also mentioned that there are witnesses who can verify his son's alibi, including coworkers, the director of the musical group he performed with, and employees from the venues where he worked. Despite this, he claims that this evidence was ignored during the trial.
The condemned man's mother submitted an urgent petition to the Council of State last April, addressed to the president, yet she reports receiving no response. The family remains determined to exhaust all possible avenues for justice, even considering taking the case to the international community.
In his statement, Benavides Paneque compared his son's treatment to international reports of injustices in other countries, expressing hope that Cuba will also ensure a fair judicial system. "We will not rest until it is proven that justice exists on this island," he concluded.
The family has launched a social media campaign, pledging to provide regular updates on the case and seeking support both within and outside of Cuba. "They will not silence an entire family demanding justice for their son," declared the father, resolute in his fight for what he believes is a fundamental right.
Understanding the Legal Battle for Justice in Cuba
What evidence does Rodolfo Benavides Paneque claim was ignored?
Benavides Paneque asserts that there were witnesses, including coworkers and the director of his son's musical group, who could confirm his son's alibi. However, this evidence was allegedly not considered during the trial.
How has the family responded to the lack of official answers?
The family has initiated a social media campaign to keep the case in the public eye and to gather support both domestically and internationally. They are determined to pursue every possible route to achieve justice.
What actions did the main suspect in the case take?
The primary suspect, known as Frank, reportedly left the country before the trial, which resulted in Benavides Lorenzo being used as a scapegoat.