Former Cuban Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández, who was removed from his position on February 2, 2024, is now facing two distinct court proceedings. The most serious of these involves espionage charges, for which the prosecution is seeking a life sentence. Sources accessed by CiberCuba indicate that this trial will occur behind closed doors at Cuba’s Supreme People's Court.
The second legal proceeding involves a series of other charges against Gil Fernández and a group of unidentified co-defendants. According to the same sources, this trial might be open to the public, although state media have not provided any specifics about those involved.
In addition to espionage, Gil Fernández is accused of a myriad of offenses including embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, forgery of public documents, economic sabotage, theft of documents, influence peddling, and violating classified document protection regulations.
As reported by 14yMedio, around twenty other individuals are set to stand trial alongside Gil Fernández, facing potential sentences of at least 15 years. Meanwhile, the prosecution is demanding a 30-year sentence for Gil Fernández, according to sources close to the case cited by CiberCuba.
Among these unidentified co-defendants, 14yMedio claims there may be a National Assembly deputy and a provincial first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), although CiberCuba has not been able to verify this. When asked about the identities of the "other defendants" involved, María Victoria Gil Fernández de Ayala, the veteran TV presenter and sister of the former minister, stated she was unaware of who they might be.
Notably, between February and April 2024, several PCC first secretaries were dismissed, including Marydé Fernández López in Cienfuegos, Susely Morfa in Matanzas, Luis Antonio Torres Iríbar in Havana, Manuel René Pérez Gallego in Las Tunas, Julio Heriberto Casanova in Ciego de Ávila, and Ernesto Santiesteban in Holguín.
In 2025, three more PCC first secretaries were relieved of their duties, though official statements assured they would assume new roles within the PCC structure. These include Walter Simón from Las Tunas, Yuniasky Crespo from Mayabeque, and Osnay Colina from Villa Clara.
María Victoria Gil Fernández de Ayala expressed in an interview with CiberCuba on Wednesday her hope that her brother will be tried before the end of the year.
FAQs on the Trials of Alejandro Gil Fernández
What charges is Alejandro Gil Fernández facing?
Alejandro Gil Fernández is facing charges of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, forgery of public documents, economic sabotage, theft of documents, influence peddling, and violating classified document protection regulations.
Where will the espionage trial be held?
The espionage trial is set to be held behind closed doors at Cuba’s Supreme People's Court.
Who else is involved in the trials with Alejandro Gil Fernández?
Around twenty other individuals are set to stand trial with Alejandro Gil Fernández. Among them, there might be a National Assembly deputy and a provincial first secretary of the PCC, although their identities have not been confirmed.