Cuban activist Anna Bensi shared an exclusive account with CubaHeadlines about her experience inside the courtroom on Thursday. That day, the East Havana Municipal People's Court found her and her mother guilty, sentencing both to two years of limited freedom.
The young activist detailed the trial process, which began with statements from both defendants. This was followed by the testimony of the plaintiff, sub-officer of MININT Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, the presentation of a video as supposed evidence, witness testimonies from the opposing side, and a psychologist brought in by the defense. The proceedings ended with final arguments from both attorneys before the oral verdict was delivered. The written sentence has yet to be provided.
"I felt completely powerless, you know? Because we know everything is unfair, everything that happened today is unjust. I don't agree with the trial; we shouldn't have been part of this process at all," Bensi expressed.
According to Bensi, the most harrowing moment was not the verdict itself but witnessing the arrest of evangelical pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora, also known as "Pregonero de Cristo," right before her eyes. He was detained while trying to enter the court to support her and her mother.
"The hardest part of today was when they arrested Pregonero de Cristo for no reason, just because he wanted to be there for my mom and me during the trial. I felt helpless and restrained," she recounted.
The pastor described how, when he asked the officers why he was being detained, they responded with physical aggression, twisting his arms and placing overly tight handcuffs on him for over two hours. Despite informing the police of his depression and asking for medical attention, he was left with swollen arms and visible marks on his hands.
"It's something we didn't expect, that a Cuban citizen can be abducted on a public street without committing any crime," the pastor remarked.
Christian activist David Espinosa Martínez was arrested under a different pretext—a supposed theft of tricycle parts, a charge he immediately denied. He was taken to the La Lisa police station, where a plainclothes counterintelligence agent oversaw his case, not leaving the tricycle's side for a moment.
Espinosa confronted the agent directly: "Look, you all know why you stopped me. You didn't want me to attend the trial." He was released as soon as the trial concluded, describing it as a "copy-paste" of the State Security's modus operandi in similar situations.
Other activists from the group "Fuera de la Caja" were confined to their homes to prevent them from reaching the court in Cojímar. Despite the extensive operation, a crowd of people—mostly believers—gathered outside the building in solidarity.
Regarding the sentence, Anna Bensi explained that the plaintiff's attorney had requested two years in prison for her and two years of restricted freedom for her mother. However, the police officer only asked for a public apology video. The court did not grant the prison request but sentenced both women to two years of limited freedom, akin to house arrest with movement restrictions.
Anna expressed gratitude for her defense attorney, identified as Roberto, whom she described as "bold" for taking on a case that exposes defenders in Cuba to constant threats.
The day after the trial, the court published a statement on Facebook claiming the video had exposed the agent's home address, a claim contradicted by the ID card images, which only display the name, case number, category, physical traits, and expiration date, with no address field.
David Espinosa summarized the day's events with a phrase that captures the sentiment of those present: "It was an attack by them, by the State Security, by the country's authorities. A complete attack. I find no logical explanation in real life."
Understanding the Legal Proceedings and Reactions
What was the outcome of Anna Bensi's trial?
Anna Bensi and her mother were sentenced to two years of limited freedom, similar to house arrest with restrictions on their movement.
Why was Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora detained?
Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora, known as "Pregonero de Cristo," was detained for attempting to support Anna Bensi and her mother during their trial, despite not committing any crime.
How did the authorities justify the arrest of David Espinosa Martínez?
David Espinosa Martínez was arrested under the alleged pretext of stealing tricycle parts, which he denied. He was held until the trial concluded.