Maricela Alonso Ojeda, the former mayor of Puerto Padre in Las Tunas province, is rumored to be listed among those granted clemency by the Cuban regime, despite not having served half of her seven-year prison sentence for embezzlement, as reported on social media.
On March 26, 2025, the Provincial People's Court of Las Tunas convicted her of embezzlement, finding that she abused her administrative powers to misappropriate state resources intended for the public—including food and fuel—for her own gain.
Alongside her, Mario Quirino Infante Sosa, former administrator of the Puerto Padre Pioneers Palace, was sentenced to six years for his involvement in the same crimes. According to the verdict, Infante was responsible for procuring, transporting, and selling the misappropriated goods. Both were also charged with influence peddling and bribery, but the final conviction was solely for embezzlement.
The pardon was presented by the regime as a humanitarian and sovereign gesture in celebration of Holy Week, yet it notably excluded any of the over 1,200 documented political prisoners on the island.
Activist Juan Aldana de la Torriente brought attention to the case in a Facebook post, which stirred outrage in Puerto Padre and across social media.
Residents of the municipality recall that Alonso's corruption can be traced back to her days in the Education sector, exacerbating the perception of impunity with her early release.
"What is happening is a complete disrespect to the people of Puerto Padre. After the mayor was sentenced to seven years in prison for serious misconduct involving the diversion of public resources, including food and even fuel, she now appears among the pardoned. She didn't even serve half of her sentence," wrote Aldana de la Torriente.
A Communist Party official in Las Tunas had previously stated that all would be revealed regarding corruption cases in due time. However, for many residents, this assurance remains unfulfilled.
Understanding the Controversy Surrounding Pardons in Cuba
Why was Maricela Alonso Ojeda originally sentenced?
Maricela Alonso Ojeda was sentenced for embezzlement after being found guilty of misusing her administrative powers to redirect state resources, such as food and fuel, for personal benefit.
What sparked the outrage in Puerto Padre?
The outrage was sparked by reports that Maricela Alonso Ojeda might be among those pardoned by the Cuban regime, despite not having served even half of her prison sentence, which residents view as a sign of impunity.
How did the regime justify the recent pardons?
The Cuban regime justified the pardons as a humanitarian gesture in honor of Holy Week, though the decision did not include any of the more than 1,200 political prisoners documented in Cuba.