The Cuban State Security has imposed a fresh set of restrictions on José Ramón Viñas Alonso, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Republic of Cuba. This follows an interrogation over alleged "disobedience," as revealed in a video shared by CubaNet where the Masonic leader recounts the incident.
Viñas Alonso is now required to report weekly every Wednesday at 2 p.m. to sign in with authorities. Additionally, his movements are restricted, and he is prohibited from leaving the country. "They just placed a [precautionary measure] on me. I can't leave my house, from my knee, it's all the same," the Masonic leader stated after leaving the police station.
The State's Intensifying Scrutiny
The interrogation was led by a criminal instructor from the Department of Crimes Against State Security. Viñas Alonso questioned why a seemingly administrative dispute between the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Council had attracted state security's attention. "We don't understand how an administrative litigation has become a concern for State Security," he expressed.
He believes the interest stems from the historical significance of Freemasonry in Cuba: "The only reason I can think of is the prestige, the appeal, the history that Freemasonry holds, leading to a constant concern about the institution."
Ongoing Conflict with the Ministry of Justice
This event is the latest in a series of pressures that began as early as July 2021. Viñas Alonso was first summoned by State Security after signing a critical letter against Miguel Díaz-Canel and the subsequent crackdown on the July 11 protests.
Since then, tensions between the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) and the Supreme Masonic Council have continued to escalate. In May 2025, MINJUS attempted to appoint Lázaro Faustino Cuesta Valdés as interim leader, threatening to revoke official recognition and freeze the organization's funds.
Support from the Masonic Community
On July 30, 2025, the regime initiated legal proceedings against Viñas Alonso and Grand Master Juan Alberto Kessel Linares. Days later, State Security interrogated him about an alleged currency trafficking offense. On August 7, 2026, Cuban Freemasons gathered in Havana to support their leader amid another MINJUS intervention attempt.
Viñas Alonso maintains that although the Supreme People's Court issued a ruling used by the government to deny his official status, his Masonic brothers continue to recognize him. "Legally, I'm not [recognized] to you, and we assume it to avoid defiance. But fraternally, my brothers recognize me as such," he asserted.
Future Leadership Decisions
Regarding leadership's future, Viñas Alonso stated that neither he nor the State decides on his continuation. "In September, the High Chamber, which oversees the Supreme, will assess whether to hold elections or not," he explained, highlighting that "all decisions made by the Supreme Council are through voting."
Cuban Freemasonry, with tens of thousands of members, has historically been one of the few civil organizations with some degree of autonomy from the state. According to Viñas Alonso, this autonomy is why the regime is so determined to exert control over it.
Understanding the Conflict Between Cuban Freemasonry and the State
Why was José Ramón Viñas Alonso interrogated by State Security?
Viñas Alonso was interrogated over a presumed offense of "disobedience," which the State Security claims is related to his Masonic leadership and activities.
What are the restrictions imposed on Viñas Alonso?
He must report every Wednesday to sign with authorities, faces movement restrictions, and is barred from leaving Cuba.
How has the conflict between the MINJUS and the Supreme Masonic Council evolved?
The conflict has intensified since 2021, with the MINJUS attempting to replace Viñas Alonso and threatening the organization's official status and finances.