María Elena Fornari Conde, a Cuban judge sanctioned by the U.S. State Department for her alleged involvement in human rights abuses against dissidents, expressed shock upon learning of the sanction, according to a phone conversation shared by journalist Mario Vallejo from Univision 23. She clarified that she is not a professional lawyer but serves as a lay judge, a Cuban legal role allowing individuals without formal legal education to participate in court proceedings.
The Cuban government portrays this position as a form of popular participation. However, human rights organizations criticize it as a tool serving the political regime, lacking true independence. Residing in La Lisa, Havana, Fornari firmly denied participating in trials against dissidents during the call. "You can't judge me for something unknown to both you and me. It’s crucial to avoid making baseless judgments," she warned.
Fornari emphasized her involvement only in cases of common crimes, such as theft or accidents, and denied any participation in political trials. When Vallejo inquired about the allegations, she mentioned consulting her uncle, who "is involved in human rights," without further elaboration. Attempting to distance herself from contentious judicial decisions, she stated that as a lay judge, her role is to "gather evidence, defend individuals, and engage in discussion and debate."
The conversation grew tense when her daughter intervened, questioning the journalist's identity and accusing him of legal violations. Fornari's unfamiliarity with key U.S. political figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a known critic of the Cuban regime, was notable. Her inclusion on the U.S. sanctions list contradicts her statements.
The U.S. holds her accountable, along with three other judicial officials, for her involvement in the trial of young protester Luis Robles Elizástigui. Robles faced punishment for peacefully demonstrating in Havana in 2020, holding a sign calling for freedom and an end to repression. He was released earlier this year after serving most of his sentence.
On Wednesday, the State Department announced sanctions against Fornari and three other judges from Havana's Provincial Popular Court, banning them and their immediate families from entering the United States. The official statement declared, "These regime officials and their families are ineligible to enter the U.S." due to their participation in what are deemed sham and arbitrary judicial processes.
These sanctions align with the Trump Administration's policy of penalizing those involved in repressive acts in Cuba. Marco Rubio issued a stern warning to the regime, affirming that officials violating the Cuban people's human rights will face tangible consequences. "Today, the U.S. holds three Cuban judges and a Cuban prosecutor accountable for their role in Luis Robles Elizástigui's arbitrary detention. As a result, they are no longer eligible to enter our nation," he stated on X.
The inclusion of lay judges in such sanctions also raises questions about the legitimacy of this position within the Cuban judicial system, which faces international criticism for lacking impartiality. "These sanctions send a clear message: those who participate in repression will not go unpunished," concluded the Washington statement.
FAQs on U.S. Sanctions Against Cuban Judges
Why was María Elena Fornari Conde sanctioned by the U.S.?
She was sanctioned for her alleged role in human rights violations against dissidents, particularly related to the trial of protester Luis Robles Elizástigui.
What is the role of a lay judge in Cuba?
A lay judge in Cuba is a judicial figure who participates in court proceedings without formal legal education, claimed by the government to represent popular participation.
What are the consequences of the U.S. sanctions for the Cuban judges?
The judges and their immediate families are banned from entering the United States as a result of their participation in trials seen as arbitrary by the U.S. government.