Oscar Manuel Silvera Martínez, a seasoned jurist, was appointed as the president of the People's Supreme Court (TSP) on Tuesday during a formal ceremony held at the José Martí Memorial in the Revolution Square. The event was attended by Miguel Díaz-Canel, Esteban Lazo, and other high-ranking figures of the Cuban regime.
According to a statement from the Cuban Presidency, the ceremony also marked the commencement of the 2026 Judicial Year. During his speech, Silvera emphasized that Cuba's judicial system will continue to serve as a "guarantee of the Revolution," pledging unwavering allegiance to the Communist Party and the nation's political leadership. Clearly, the priority remains to uphold the regime over impartial justice.
Silvera proclaimed, “The Revolution will always have the assurance of justice being administered with the dignity and bravery of our people. We will defend the homeland against provocations, offenses, and aggressions from its adversaries,” underscoring his steadfast loyalty.
During the event, Silvera paid tribute to the "heroes and martyrs" of Cuba and those "fallen in combat in the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," referring to Cubans who died in military missions there.
He also took the opportunity to express support for the Cuban leader and condemn the recent Executive Order by Donald Trump, which labeled Cuba as a "threat" and imposed sanctions on nations trading oil with the island. Silvera criticized the move as a “violation of International Law” and an “illegal and coercive act.”
“Members of the judicial organs reaffirm our commitment to the Revolution, defending it with the same courage as the historical generation led by Fidel and Raúl,” he declared, echoing the familiar rhetoric often used by the regime's "suitable" officials.
In his address, Silvera also discussed the challenges facing the judicial system in 2026, including the digital transformation of the courts, the expansion of electronic legal records, and improving services for citizens serving non-custodial sentences.
Oscar Silvera, who previously served as Minister of Justice and was part of the Legislative Capacity Executive Group responsible for implementing laws from the 2019 Constitution, was nominated by Miguel Díaz-Canel and approved by the National Assembly of People's Power for this role.
This appointment further solidifies the regime's political grip on the judicial system, which, according to Silvera, "belongs to the people and the Revolution," operating under the principle of "defending the homeland against any aggression." Is this truly the case?
Understanding Cuba's Judicial System and Its Political Ties
What is the role of the People's Supreme Court in Cuba?
The People's Supreme Court in Cuba acts as the highest judicial authority, responsible for ensuring the legal framework aligns with the principles of the Revolution and the Communist Party's directives.
How does Silvera's appointment affect the Cuban judicial system?
Silvera's appointment consolidates the regime's control over the judiciary, as he has pledged loyalty to the Communist Party and the Revolution, indicating a continued prioritization of political interests over independent justice.