Evangelical pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas was released this Saturday after being detained for several days following his intervention in defending his son, Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas, during a military trial on the Isle of Youth. The Borjas Rojas family confirmed the news through an exclusive video sent to the Christian outlet LuzVisión News, expressing their gratitude to God and to everyone who prayed for his release.
"Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas is now free," the family announced joyfully, extending thanks for the support received both inside and outside of Cuba. The pastor's wife, Roxana Rojas, also a pastor and member of the Assemblies of God Church, was released hours after her detention due to a chronic heart condition.
Support from the Evangelical Community
The Pentecostal Evangelical Church Council of Cuba issued a statement expressing gratitude to "the entire Assemblies of God Council, every executive, pastor, congregation, and the Cuban people in general who once again raised their voices in defense of justice, compassion, and empathy towards a pastoral family."
The arrest of both pastors occurred on May 20th, as they intervened in the court hearing against their son Kevin, who was accused of evading Mandatory Military Service (SMO). During the trial, they presented official medical documents verifying the young man's psychiatric and orthopedic conditions, endorsed by a medical commission, which declared him unfit for service.
Controversy Over Military Service
Despite the evidence, Kevin was forcibly recruited. Without receiving proper medication in the military unit, he chose to flee, leading to a prosecution request for up to four years in prison. Witnesses reported that tensions rose in the courtroom when Pastor Borjas called out an "injustice" and invoked divine justice, prompting the prosecution to charge him with contempt and disobedience, arguing that "divine justice has no place in a military court."
Although Pastor Borjas has been released, he still faces a prosecutor's request for eight years in prison, along with his wife, for their courtroom conduct. Their trial is set for June 9th.
Human Rights Concerns
Meanwhile, human rights organizations and Christian groups like Christian Solidarity Worldwide have condemned the case, highlighting it as another instance of the criminalization of conscientious objection in Cuba. The situation has reignited debate over the controversial Mandatory Military Service in the country, associated with numerous reports of abuse, medical negligence, suicides, and fatal accidents.
Since the new Military Penal Code came into effect in 2023, citizens refusing to enlist may face sentences of up to five years in prison.
FAQs on Military Service and Human Rights in Cuba
What are the charges against Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas?
Pastor Borjas faces charges of contempt and disobedience for denouncing injustices in a military court. He and his wife are facing a prosecutor's request for eight years in prison.
Why was Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas accused?
Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas was accused of evading Mandatory Military Service despite medical documentation proving his unfitness for service.
What has this case highlighted about military service in Cuba?
The case has brought renewed attention to the controversial nature of Mandatory Military Service in Cuba, highlighting issues such as abuse, medical negligence, and the criminalization of conscientious objection.