Once a prominent figure on Cuban television, María Victoria Gil, sister to the former Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández, has broken the silence that the official media has maintained regarding the judicial proceedings against her brother, who stands accused of espionage.
Speaking from Spain to journalist Mario J. Pentón, she disclosed several notable and even startling details about the trial.
Díaz-Canel's Alleged Unawareness
María Victoria, also a legal expert, expressed her belief that Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel is "the least to blame" in her brother's case. According to her, Díaz-Canel was unaware of the actions being orchestrated against one of his subordinates, which she argues makes him politically accountable, yet lacking in direct knowledge.
She recounted that on February 1, 2024, her brother received a call from Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, informing him that he would be dismissed the next day due to "poor performance" and needed to begin the immediate handover of official documents.
Despite this, the following day, Díaz-Canel publicly praised her brother's performance on social media, which María Victoria views as evidence of Díaz-Canel's ignorance of the unfolding events.
She noted that Díaz-Canel even extended birthday wishes to Gil on February 6, a gesture she interprets as further proof of his unawareness of the plot against Gil. The timing, coinciding with Gil's wife's birthday, adds a layer of irony or perhaps malevolence to the situation, she suggested.
A Controlled and Silent Process
After his removal, Gil continued attending the Ministry of Economy for weeks to hand over documents accumulated during his four-year tenure, a process María Victoria described as "long, difficult, and complicated." He was finally summoned to complete the handover on February 24, this time at Prime Minister Marrero's office.
During this meeting, two State Security officers appeared, informing him he was under investigation and would be subjected to a "kind of house arrest," without further public explanations or access to legal safeguards.
A Trial Shrouded in Secrecy
María Victoria's statements provide one of the few firsthand accounts of the events following her brother's dismissal and his current situation under political police-imposed restrictions. She declared that State Security controls her brother's case and that Cuba's justice system is subservient to political interests.
She claimed her brother is accused of spying for the CIA, yet no public information or trial details have been disclosed. As of now, Cuban authorities have not clarified the nature of the alleged espionage crime, nor have they released any details about the trial, evidence, or defense.
The only narrative available comes from his sister, who insists that the process is driven by State Security decisions rather than legal criteria. This lack of information stands in stark contrast to the political significance of Alejandro Gil, who, until recently, was a prominent figure in the nation's economic policy, impacting millions of Cubans' daily lives.
While the government remains silent, the family's revelation offers the sole glimpse into a process known only for its opacity.
Questions About Alejandro Gil's Legal Situation
What are the charges against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil is accused of espionage, allegedly for the CIA, though no concrete details have been publicly released regarding the charges or evidence.
Why does María Victoria Gil believe Díaz-Canel is not to blame?
María Victoria Gil suggests that Díaz-Canel was unaware of the proceedings against her brother, thus making him less culpable, despite his political accountability.
What is the current status of Alejandro Gil's trial?
The trial details remain undisclosed, with no public information on the evidence, defense, or exact nature of the charges. The process is reportedly under the control of Cuba's State Security.