The daughter of former Cuban Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández has broken her silence on social media, advocating for an open trial against her father amid serious charges of espionage, embezzlement, and other offenses leveled by the Attorney General's Office.
In her statement, Laura María Gil González cited Articles 54 and 48 of the Cuban Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to defend one's honor, to express her "deep dismay" at recent events and to defend her family's right to speak out.
"If I haven't spoken before," she wrote, "it's been due to my commitment, like the rest of my family, to safeguard our country's image and prevent public unrest or an international conflict."
Gil González called for greater transparency, criticizing the official statement from the Attorney General for leaving "loose ends that have fueled public speculation." She urged authorities to provide "comprehensive information to the public," especially regarding the espionage charges against the former minister.
"The public would greatly appreciate a more detailed report," she noted, listing various questions about the alleged espionage activities and the countries involved.
In another part of her statement, Gil González joined the "popular demand for an open trial, where anyone interested can participate, and for it to be broadcast live on Cuban television and Cubavisión Internacional, with both official and unofficial media present." She also stated that her father "has been demanding this, not just now, but from day one."
The post emphasizes that her message is "neither offensive nor destructive," warning that "any retaliation" against her or her loved ones would be "a violation of their human rights to freedom of expression and self-defense."
Laura María's pronouncement comes amid the judicial proceedings against the former minister, accused of grave offenses such as espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, influence peddling, forgery of public documents, money laundering, and more.
Laura María, who previously worked as a specialist in the Import Department of the Ministry of Foreign Trade (MINCEX), often shared personal and professional moments on her social media, but her recent message marked an unusual shift towards a public defense of her father, a once-prominent figure in Cuba's economic policy now fallen from grace.
Meanwhile, the former minister's sister, ex-TV presenter María Victoria Gil, confirmed from the Canary Islands, according to the independent outlet 14yMedio, that the prosecution is seeking a "life sentence" for Alejandro Gil, as reported by a source close to the investigation.
"If Alejandro Gil has betrayed his principles, I won't hesitate to wish for the full weight of the law to fall upon him," she stated in an interview with 14yMedio.
She admitted feeling "hurt and ashamed" and noted that the espionage charge, one of those listed, "is punishable by death." From her home in Spain, she claimed to be unaware of the situation concerning her sister-in-law and the former minister's children.
The statements from both women come amid intense media exposure of the case. This Saturday, Communist Party leaders and state agencies promoted the hashtag #CeroImpunidad on social media, with messages supporting the Attorney General's actions and underscoring "zero tolerance" for corruption.
The case of Alejandro Gil, dating back to his dismissal in February 2024 and subsequent criminal investigation, is now in the judicial phase. The Attorney General has charged the former minister with espionage, acts detrimental to economic activity, embezzlement, bribery, forgery of public documents, tax evasion, influence peddling, money laundering, and unauthorized removal of official documents, among other crimes.
As the process unfolds without a known timeline, Gil's daughter's call for a public trial and her sister's statements from exile highlight the emotional and political fractures accompanying one of the most controversial cases involving Cuba's elite in recent years.
Key Questions Surrounding Alejandro Gil's Trial
What are the charges against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil faces charges including espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, influence peddling, forgery of public documents, money laundering, and unauthorized removal of official documents.
Why is Laura María Gil González calling for an open trial?
Laura María Gil González is advocating for an open trial to ensure transparency and to provide comprehensive information to the public, especially concerning the espionage charges against her father.
What is the potential sentence for Alejandro Gil?
According to a source close to the investigation, the prosecution is seeking a life sentence for Alejandro Gil.