Zamira Marrero Morgado, who heads the Municipal People's Court of East Havana, is set to preside over the trial of influencer Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, known as Anna Bensi, and her mother, Caridad Silvente, this Thursday. This information has been shared by activists on their social media platforms.
In late August, Marrero Morgado reportedly dismissed a defense request to nullify the trial against the young woman and her mother. The motion was based on claims that the alleged offenses did not constitute a crime, as reported by Irma Broek.
This judge's appointment has raised concerns among activists and independent media outlets.
Marrero Morgado's name is associated with public denunciations linking her to judicial proceedings against participants of the July 11, 2021 (11-J) protests, especially in cases related to the La Güinera neighborhood in Havana.
She was part of the tribunal that handled the trial of 129 demonstrators from the 11-J protests, which took place on December 20 and 21, 2021. During these proceedings, penalties of up to 30 years for sedition were sought.
Contradictions in Judicial Involvement
Observers of the case have pointed out a glaring contradiction: the same jurist who, in April 2025, defended a master's thesis at the University of Havana focusing on the "best interest of the child offender" and authored academic articles on child rights protection, is now overseeing a case involving a young woman and her mother.
La Tijera News aptly noted, "It's striking that a jurist whose doctoral thesis addressed the protection of youth rights now handles a case involving a young woman and her mother."
The independent outlet also criticized the participation of someone with such a background in international events on "Dialogue" and "Human Rights," representing Cuba.
The Charges Against Anna Bensi and Her Mother
The legal proceedings against Anna Bensi and her mother began in March 2026 after they recorded and shared online a visit from a MININT officer delivering a summons from State Security to their home.
The authorities charged them under Article 393 of the Penal Code, concerning "acts against personal and family privacy," which carries penalties ranging from two to five years in prison. Since March 25, both women have been under house arrest and barred from leaving the country.
Cubalex has defended that filming law enforcement is a citizen's right, not a criminal offense, directly countering the accusation.
The trial, originally scheduled for September 17, was postponed and is now set for October 1. In July, Anna Bensi was detained for nearly 11 hours at a police station in Alamar, where she reported being threatened with imprisonment if she continued to publish critical content.
Growing Support for the Accused
The case has garnered support both within Cuba and internationally. In April 2026, U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer visited the accused, and on Wednesday, Cuban Baptists rallied in support of the mother and daughter.
As the trial approaches, Anna Bensi has remained defiant, publicly asserting that she will not be silenced, regardless of the trial's outcome.
Understanding the Legal Implications in Cuba
What charges are Anna Bensi and her mother facing?
They are facing charges under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, related to "acts against personal and family privacy," which can lead to sentences of two to five years in prison.
Why is Zamira Marrero Morgado's involvement controversial?
Her involvement is controversial due to her past role in trials against 11-J protestors and her academic work on child rights, which seems at odds with her current judicial responsibilities.
How has the international community reacted to the trial?
The case has attracted international attention and support, including visits from U.S. diplomats and backing from Cuban religious groups.