The story of Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, a 21-year-old Cuban influencer known online as Anna Bensi, has captured the attention of American audiences through a report by NBC6 South Florida on Instagram. In the report, journalist Roxanne Vargas delves into who this Cuban content creator is, the reasons behind her trial, and the implications of her conviction.
The video, shared on Friday by the Miami-based channel's official account, outlines Anna Bensi's journey from creating humorous and musical content to becoming a prominent young voice critiquing the Cuban regime from within the island.
Legal Proceedings and Controversy
On Thursday, a court in Habana del Este found Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, guilty, sentencing them to two years of restricted freedom—an alternative to incarceration—for recording and sharing on social media a visit by an Interior Ministry officer to their home.
The charge was "acts against personal and family privacy," as defined in Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code. The regime argued that the crime was not the recording itself, but the dissemination of the footage without the officer's consent.
Background and Arrest
The incident dates back to March 10, 2026, when a MININT officer arrived at the mother and daughter's apartment to deliver a summons from State Security. They recorded the encounter and posted it online. Since March 25, they have been under house arrest and barred from leaving the country.
The trial was conducted behind closed doors and presided over by a judge previously criticized for her rulings in cases related to the July 11 protests. Before the trial, Anna Bensi told gathered media, "The trial won't be fair, but I have a just God," expressing her hope for truth and a free Cuba.
Broader Context of Repression
The NBC6 report also highlighted how, since 2025, Bensi has used her platform to speak out against power outages, shortages, low wages, and other daily struggles faced by Cubans. In July, she revealed enduring nearly 12 hours of police interrogation over her posts and criticisms of the government.
Their defense attorney, Roberto Ortega, noted that the period for filing an appeal began upon notification of the verdict.
Anna Bensi's situation is not isolated. It reflects a broader crackdown by the regime on young creators of critical content.
Two members of the El4tico project were arrested in Holguín in February 2026, accused of propaganda against the constitutional order, and the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Holguín recently sought sentences of eight years for Ernesto Ricardo Medina and 10 years for Kamil Zayas Pérez.
Additionally, members of the collective Fuera de la Caja Cuba reported a police blockade on the day of Benítez Silvente's trial, including surveillance, movement restrictions, and phone line disruptions.
International and Domestic Reactions
The conviction triggered immediate responses: Cuban-American lawmakers condemned the ruling, and the U.S. government demanded the release of Anna Bensi and her mother.
"A trial can never be fair when governed by a state of injustice," said Anna Bensi before learning her fate, capturing the essence of what her case signifies for thousands of Cubans both on and off the island.
Key Questions About the Anna Bensi Case
Why was Anna Bensi sentenced in Cuba?
Anna Bensi was sentenced for recording and sharing on social media a Ministry of Interior officer's visit to her home, which was deemed "acts against personal and family privacy" by the Cuban regime.
What has been the international reaction to Anna Bensi's conviction?
The conviction has sparked condemnation from Cuban-American lawmakers and calls from the U.S. government for the release of Anna Bensi and her mother.
How has Anna Bensi used her platform since 2025?
Since 2025, Anna Bensi has used her platform to highlight issues such as power outages, shortages, low wages, and other challenges faced by Cubans, critiquing the government's handling of these problems.