Anthony Martínez, a young Christian from San Antonio de los Baños in Artemisa province, received a police summons on Sunday requiring him to appear on Monday, October 5, at 9:00 AM at the "technical" office in Guanajay. The officer who delivered the notice did not provide any explanation for the summons.
Martínez himself brought attention to the situation through a Facebook video, displaying the document to the camera: "Do you know what this paper is? It's a summons that was just delivered to me at about 2:30 in the afternoon. An officer came and handed it over without explaining why I need to be in Guanajay tomorrow at 9 AM."
In his post, he highlighted that this marks the third instance authorities have called him in and urged his followers to share his complaint, stating, "Repression continues in Cuba."
Allegations of Unjust Summoning
Journalist and activist Yaiset Rodríguez Fernández emphasized on social media that Anthony faces no criminal charges that would warrant a police summons and noted that the officer "didn't even tell him the reason."
The summons followed three days after the trial of Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, known as Anna Bensi, and her mother, Caridad Silvente, which took place on October 1 at the East Havana Municipal Popular Court. Martínez managed to leave his house unnoticed by the surveillance officers and attempted to support them. The regime convicted them of "acts against personal and family privacy," sentencing them to two years of restricted freedom, which limits their mobility and prohibits them from leaving the country.
Escalating Repression
In his video, Martínez reported widespread repression on the day of the trial, mentioning how both women were treated "like criminals, like murderers. [...] It wasn’t enough that Pregonero de Cristo was detained and mistreated on the way." Evangelical pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora was arrested on the street en route to the court, and activist David Espinosa Martínez was reportedly detained and taken to La Lisa to prevent his attendance.
Martínez has previously faced pressure from state security. The Cuban Institute for Freedom of Expression and Press (ICLEP) documented that on June 10, agents verbally summoned him for an "informal conversation" without a written order, which they classified as a direct violation of free expression. A formal summons by the National Revolutionary Police was also issued for September 24. The ICLEP points out that such practices infringe on Article 54 of the 2019 Cuban Constitution, which acknowledges the right to freedom of thought and expression.
Friends and supporters showed their solidarity in the comments section. One remarked that the interrogation was a direct consequence of Martínez having reached the trial despite surveillance, labeling the situation as "extremely regrettable." Another noted that the repression "increases every day and will worsen as these henchmen feel their end drawing nearer."
Martínez concluded his video with a statement encapsulating the sentiment of those facing this pressure: "What is this called? It’s called repression anywhere in the world. For thinking differently. Let the world know what’s happening. Long live a Free Cuba..."
Understanding the Repression in Cuba
Why was Anthony Martínez summoned by the police?
Anthony Martínez was summoned without being given a reason, but it follows his support for Anna Bensi and her mother during their trial, suggesting it is part of ongoing repression against those who dissent.
What charges were Anna Bensi and her mother convicted of?
They were found guilty of "acts against personal and family privacy" and sentenced to two years of restricted freedom, which limits their ability to move freely and prohibits them from leaving the country.
How does the ICLEP view these police practices?
The ICLEP considers these summonses and informal conversations as violations of the right to freedom of expression, as recognized in Article 54 of the 2019 Cuban Constitution.