Under a shroud of intense secrecy and heightened security measures, the second trial against former Cuban Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernández, began on Wednesday in Havana. The proceedings were devoid of any press coverage or public announcements.
Two weeks after being tried for espionage, Gil now faces a slew of additional charges, including embezzlement, tax evasion, influence peddling, and money laundering.
The trial is being held at the Civil and Family People's Court of Marianao, the same venue where the espionage case was previously heard. Proceedings commenced at 9:30 am without any prior notice to the public.
According to reports from 14ymedio, an independent media outlet, a reporter observed the presence of State Security monitoring the area, albeit with less intensity than during the first trial. This time, there were no road closures or international press, only a lone photographer was seen nearby.
Family Under Secrecy
Anonymous sources revealed that Gil's two children, Alejandro and Laura María Gil González, attended the hearing after signing confidentiality agreements prohibiting them from disclosing any details about the case. In contrast to the previous trial, Laura María was allowed entry, having previously called for a "public and open" trial for her father.
Gil's sister, María Victoria Gil, shared with the Cuban YouTuber known as El Mundo de Darwin that the trial is expected to last four days, concluding with a verdict on Saturday.
"The secrecy surrounding this trial is even greater this time, as neither the media, television, nor radio in Cuba have informed the public. The doors are closed once again, with only a select few allowed in," she commented.
"My niece told me she saw her father looking strong and in good spirits, though he appeared quite thin," she added.
Wider Implications and Political Maneuvering
According to a source close to the case, this trial involves more than twenty additional defendants, including a member of the National Assembly and a Communist Party secretary. The prosecution is reportedly seeking a 30-year prison sentence for Gil, with a minimum of 15 years for the others. None of the accused have been publicly identified.
The espionage trial and internal power struggles continue to unfold. While the results of the initial trial remain undisclosed, Gil's defense by attorney Abel Solá López was described as "brilliant" by María Victoria Gil.
She asserts that the espionage charge, which carries a life sentence, is the result of a political maneuver orchestrated by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero. Allegedly, Marrero acted after Gil's implementation of the Tarea Ordenamiento policy negatively impacted the economic interests of the regime's military sectors.
On February 1, 2024, Marrero allegedly summoned Gil to inform him that his efforts had not met expectations. The following day, State Security agents arrested Gil and his wife, taking them to a secure location. Gil was later transferred to Guanajay maximum-security prison, while his wife was released after four months in detention.
The family reports that the case file remains officially inaccessible, their homes have been searched, electronic devices confiscated, and that even Gil's niece is under constant surveillance by vehicles.
"My brother wants to speak out, and naturally, they will attempt to silence him," María Victoria warned.
A Trial in the Midst of National Collapse
This second trial against Gil occurs as Cuba grapples with widespread blackouts, hyperinflation, severe shortages, and growing public unrest. For Gil's family, this oppressive and secretive legal action seeks to scapegoat a single individual for the economic turmoil, diverting accountability from the entire ruling elite.
The crisis now affects all sectors of Cuban society, including those once shielded by the regime. The economic collapse demonstrates that no aspect is spared—be it hospitals, food supplies, energy, or sports, which once served as a national pride.
As Cubans endure endless lines, hunger, and power outages, the government remains fixated on a trial cloaked in secrecy, targeting a former minister who was, until February, a key figure alongside President Miguel Díaz-Canel.
This trial is characterized by its exclusion of public access, press inquiries, and silencing of family members. According to Gil's sister, the verdict is "already written."
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil's Trial
What charges is Alejandro Gil facing in his second trial?
Alejandro Gil is facing multiple charges, including embezzlement, tax evasion, influence peddling, and money laundering, in addition to his previous charge of espionage.
How has the Cuban government handled media coverage of the trial?
The Cuban government has maintained strict secrecy around the trial, with no media coverage allowed, and the public has not been informed through official channels.
Who else is involved in the trial alongside Alejandro Gil?
More than twenty additional defendants are involved, including a member of the National Assembly and a Communist Party secretary, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed.