The trial of Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, set for this Thursday at the Popular Municipal Court of Havana del Este, has sparked a wave of support across social media. Cuban artists, influencers, and religious figures are demanding justice for the women while condemning the regime's persecution.
The incident dates back to March 2026 when Anna, a 21-year-old, and her mother recorded and shared on social media a visit from a plainclothes officer of the MININT, who delivered a summons from the State Security. They now face charges of "acts against personal and family privacy," carrying potential prison sentences of two to five years.
Since March 25, both have been under house arrest with a travel ban. Last week, Anna Bensi declared, "I will not be silenced," and vowed she would record the incident again if given the chance.
La Diosa's Call to Action
One of the most vocal supporters is singer La Diosa, who urged followers on Facebook to flood social media with Anna's case. "They're asking for two years in prison for a woman who has simply expressed her thoughts. It's more of the same from the dictatorship we all know," she stated. Authorities offered to drop the charges if Anna retracted her statements publicly: "They asked her to retract all her videos to have the trial completely dismissed."
La Diosa appealed to the Cuban community: "Even if you have just three followers, it's important to speak up about this," concluding with a fervent call: "Down with the dictatorship, down with Díaz-Canel, down with Raúl, down with the Castros. Long live Free Cuba!"
Andy Vázquez's Message to the Regime's Enforcers
Christian comedian Andy Vázquez took a different approach in his Instagram video, addressing those involved in the legal proceedings rather than the accused. "My message is to the people who will be there committing this wrongdoing against these two women, these two innocent individuals, whom everyone knows are innocent, playing along with those who lack the courage to face her and engage in debate with truth," he declared.
Vázquez quoted Isaiah 10:1-2—"Woe to those who decree unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights"—and reminded viewers of the "Melody judge," deported from the U.S. after her actions in Cuba. The trial is presided over by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, criticized by activists for her involvement in the 11-J protest trials.
Voices of Solidarity: Kristoff Kriollo, Claudia Artiles, and Claudia Valdés
Influencer Kristoff Kriollo posted a video rejecting inaction in the face of repression: "These things cannot go unnoticed, as if nothing happened. We can't just say, 'Look at the poor thing, she got into trouble,' and move on." Claudia Artiles expressed her solidarity on Facebook: "Thinking differently and expressing our ideas shouldn't lead to persecution. Today, my message is one of solidarity, humanity, and hope. May they be free."
Actress Claudia Valdés described the case on Instagram as "one of the injustices committed in Cuba, one of many," and decried the "horrible" prospect of a 21-year-old facing prison for recording a plainclothes MININT agent at her home.
Religious Support Amidst Regime's Tightening Grip
The support extended beyond the entertainment industry. Religious figure Sister Nadieska Almeida called on Christians to support mother and daughter with prayers and physical presence, while the Western Baptist Convention of Cuba released a forceful statement: "We cannot, do not want to, and will not leave them alone."
As social media filled with messages of support, the regime reacted by surrounding activists and independent journalists in Cuba, preventing them from approaching the courthouse, as reported by Cuban activism sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Anna Bensi Case
What charges are Anna Bensi and her mother facing?
Anna Bensi and her mother are charged with "acts against personal and family privacy" which could lead to prison sentences of two to five years.
Who is supporting Anna Bensi and her mother?
Cuban artists, influencers, religious figures, and the Western Baptist Convention of Cuba have rallied to support Anna Bensi and her mother, demanding justice and condemning the regime's actions.