Mike Hammer, the head of the United States Embassy in Cuba, paid a visit to activist and influencer Anna Bensi at her home in Alamar, Havana this Wednesday. The visit was intended to show Washington's support amid the ongoing harassment by the Cuban regime.
The U.S. Embassy shared details of the meeting on social media platform X, using the hashtag #WithEverydayCubans, and directly challenging the government's repressive tactics: "Expressing one's opinion and belief in God and Christian values is not a crime. Why do state agents refuse to wear uniforms and fear being identified? They and their informants certainly enjoy recording everyone else."
Legal Troubles and Judicial Decisions
The visit happened just six days after the East Havana Municipal People's Court found Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, guilty of "acts against personal and familial privacy, personal image, and voice," as per Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code.
Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, previously noted for her role in cases related to the July 11, 2021 protests, sentenced both women to two years of freedom limitation. This penalty does not involve imprisonment but does impose judicial control, a travel ban from Cuba, and movement restrictions.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to March 10, 2026, when Bensi and her mother recorded and shared on social media the visit of a plainclothes MININT agent who came to their home to deliver a State Security summons.
The harassment has not stopped since: in April, counterintelligence agents attempted to recruit Bensi as an informant by offering to boost her music career; her WhatsApp and Telegram accounts were hacked, and her ETECSA lines were disabled; and in July, she was detained for nearly 11 hours at a police station, where she was pressured to alter her videos and threatened with charges of "inciting public disorder."
"I cried out of helplessness and anger," Bensi stated after the detention.
International Backlash and Support
The sentence sparked international outrage: Deputy Secretary of State Juan Pablo Segura described it as the regime's "cowardice," and U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos Giménez demanded the unconditional release of both women.
This recent visit by Hammer is not his first to the young activist. The diplomat had previously visited her home on April 9, 2026, while both women were under house arrest, and met with her again in May alongside members of the 'Outside the Box Cuba' group.
Hammer's Unique Diplomatic Approach
Hammer's distinct approach to diplomacy, which includes traveling through provinces and meeting with activists, families of political prisoners, and ordinary citizens, has been his hallmark since he took charge in November 2024.
Anna Bensi, legally known as Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente, is a 21-year-old Christian and content creator. Her plight has been covered by outlets such as NBC, El País, and DW.
The Embassy concluded its message with a stern warning to the regime: "Like other diplomatic missions, we are keeping track. A responsible government would put an end to these practices. But in Cuba?"
Understanding the Political Climate in Cuba
What was the purpose of Mike Hammer's visit to Anna Bensi?
Mike Hammer visited Anna Bensi to express the United States' support against the continuous harassment she faces from the Cuban regime.
How did the international community react to Anna Bensi's sentence?
The international community, including U.S. officials, condemned the sentence as an act of cowardice by the Cuban regime and called for the unconditional release of Bensi and her mother.
Who is Anna Bensi?
Anna Bensi, legally Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente, is a 21-year-old Christian content creator and activist from Cuba, known for her outspoken views and resistance against regime harassment.