This Tuesday saw the start of a high-profile trial in Havana against former Economy Minister Alejandro Miguel Fernández, known to his family as Alejandro Gil. The proceedings are being conducted behind closed doors, leaving the family largely cut off from communication.
In a revealing interview with Univision journalist Javier Díaz, María Victoria Gil, a lawyer and sister of the accused, shared her emotional and urgent perspective on her brother's situation and the impact on their family.
The Trial's Secrecy and Communication Barriers
From the start, María Victoria highlighted the lack of transparency and obstacles to staying informed. "The trial is completely shut off... I have no communication because my niece and nephew had their internet and WhatsApp blocked since yesterday," she said.
A Brutal Persecution?
Not mincing her words, María Victoria described the situation as a politically motivated attack with personal undertones. "This is a classic case of brutal persecution," she asserted. She recounted her brother's harrowing year in a high-security prison, noting his severe weight loss and stress-induced alopecia.
While acknowledging systemic corruption within the government, she defended her brother by disputing espionage allegations. "I seriously doubt my brother became a spy. I believe he tried to change things within Cuba's economic structure, which made him a target," she explained.
For María Victoria, her brother's true "crime" was his push for reforms favoring private property and the non-state sector.
Faith in the Justice System?
María Victoria expressed a mix of hope and skepticism regarding the legal process. "I trust today's trial because the President of the Supreme People's Court, Rubén Remigio, is someone I studied with at university, and I believe he won’t allow any injustice," she noted.
She acknowledged the paradox of trusting the system in a country where the rule of law is questionable, emphasizing the importance of a robust defense led by Dr. Abel Solar, a specialist in such cases.
A Call for Courage and Truth
María Victoria urged her brother to speak up and not sacrifice himself in vain. "I told my brother... speak, don't back down, don't be afraid... it's better to die with dignity than to live humiliated," she stated passionately.
In her interview, she clarified past remarks that the government had manipulated, asserting that the regime's interpretations held no value for her.
Family's Plea Amidst a Shrouded Process
Concluding her comments, María Victoria advised her brother not to protect those unworthy of loyalty and to fully expose the regime's corruption, suggesting that such bravery would make him a national hero.
The trial, unfolding under tight military security and secrecy, raises questions about the nature of the evidence and the exact charges, which include espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and document forgery. The prosecution is seeking a life sentence for the former official.
Laura María Gil, the ex-minister's daughter, labeled the accusations a "total manipulation" and expressed her determination to attend the trial despite restrictions. However, she was denied entry, while her brother, Alejandro Arnaldo Gil González, was allowed in. In a public audio message, Laura María condemned the lack of communication and reiterated her father's innocence.
As the trial progresses, the family, legal team, and nation await answers that are currently only available through the state's narrative, which demands severe punishment for alleged crimes against state security.
Key Questions Surrounding Alejandro Gil's Espionage Trial
What are the main charges against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil faces charges of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and forgery of public documents. The prosecution is seeking a life sentence.
Why is the trial being held behind closed doors?
The Cuban government has justified the closed-door trial citing "national security reasons."
How has the family been affected by the trial proceedings?
The family has faced communication barriers, with internet access and messaging apps blocked. They also learned about the trial date through television and have been largely kept in the dark.
What is María Victoria Gil's stance on her brother's situation?
María Victoria believes her brother is innocent of espionage, regarding him as a reformist within Cuba's economic framework. She urges him to speak out and not protect those undeserving of loyalty.