The Cuban singer Diana Fuentes publicly declared her support for Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, on Thursday. She criticized the legal proceedings against them for recording and sharing footage of a visit from a Ministry of the Interior agent to their home in Havana.
"I stand firmly with Anna and her mom. Based on what is known about the case, I believe the charges are merely a pretext to silence a voice that challenges the authorities," Fuentes expressed in a Facebook post.
The statement coincided with the day Bensi and her mother faced the Havana del Este Municipal Popular Court in Cojímar, where they were charged with "acts against personal and family privacy."
Concerns Over Judicial Process and Security
Fuentes emphasized the questionable circumstances surrounding the case: the arrival of a plain-clothes police officer, accompanied by an unidentified man, at the women's home to deliver a State Security summons.
"How are two women supposed to feel secure when men, lacking formal identification, come to their home to exert authority? Why does documenting such an event in their own residence lead to accusations against them?" she asked.
The singer described it as "outrageous" that Bensi and her mother were forced to defend themselves in court "for trying to protect themselves and document an official action."
"They deserve justice, assurance, and freedom. They need to know they are not alone," Fuentes concluded.
Support from Cuban Artists and Activists
The situation escalated after Bensi and her mother recorded and shared on social media the visit from Ministry of the Interior officer Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, who subsequently filed a complaint.
Since March 25, Bensi and her mother had been under house arrest and were barred from leaving the country.
Diana Fuentes' support is part of a wave of solidarity from Cuban artists and influencers, including La Diosa, Andy Vázquez, Kristoff Kriollo, Claudia Artiles, and Claudia Valdés.
On Thursday, Bensi arrived at the courthouse to the applause of family and friends amidst a heavy police presence, which also led to arrests and reports of surveillance on those attempting to support her.
Hours later, the court found Bensi and her mother guilty, imposing a two-year restriction on their freedom.
After hearing the verdict, Bensi called the decision "an injustice" and explained that they must now await the written sentencing.
Key Questions About the Anna Bensi Case
What were Anna Bensi and her mother accused of?
They were accused of committing "acts against personal and family privacy" after recording and sharing a visit from a Ministry of the Interior agent to their home.
How did the Cuban artist community react to the case?
Many Cuban artists and influencers, including Diana Fuentes, La Diosa, and Andy Vázquez, expressed solidarity and support for Anna Bensi and her mother.
What was the court's verdict?
The court found Bensi and her mother guilty, sentencing them to two years of restricted freedom.