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Cuban Freemasons Oust Government-Backed Leader Mayker Filema: A Defining Moment

Monday, July 7, 2025 by Sophia Martinez

In a tense day of reckoning, Cuban Freemasons successfully expelled former Grand Master Mayker Filema Duarte from the Grand Lodge of Cuba this past Sunday. Allegations against him include unlawfully seizing his position with backing from the Cuban regime. The dramatic events unfolded at the Grand Lodge's premises located at the intersection of Belascoaín and Carlos III in central Havana. This incident is perceived by many within the Cuban Freemasonry as a crucial moment in their struggle to uphold institutional autonomy against government interference.

A Cry for Independence: A Besieged Institution Stands Firm

A video shared by Freemason Luis Rafael Zamora captured the precise moment when a jeering crowd forced Mayker Filema to leave the building amid chants of "Out!". In an accompanying Facebook post, Zamora described Filema as embodying the face of dictatorship, cloaked in the guise of a Grand Master, and likened him unfavorably to agent Collera Vento. Zamora further condemned Filema for his betrayal and lack of integrity, asserting that he would be remembered not as a brother but as a traitor.

Forced Entry: Hymns and Defiance

Prior to the expulsion, a large group of Freemasons, chanting the Bayamo Hymn and slogans like "Long live Cuban Freemasonry!" and "Long live Cuba!", peacefully forced their way into the Grand Lodge after being barred entry by some of their fellow members. Video footage showed several men, including Freemasons Jesús Martínez Frómeta, Raúl Pérez Martín, and Rolando Céspedes Mena, defiantly blocking the doorway. Despite attempts at dialogue, tensions escalated with Martínez Frómeta reportedly throwing alcohol at some protesters, and Céspedes Mena tearing a demonstrator's shirt during a scuffle.

The Freemasons insisted that they were not the aggressors, claiming their right to enter the building, which they consider communal property. Ultimately, they advanced while singing the national anthem in the institution's lobby, a space they believe has been unjustly occupied.

A Power Imposed from the Outside

Compounding the Freemasons' outrage was the arrest of interim Grand Master Juan Alberto Kessel Linares and interim Grand Secretary Víctor Bravo Cabañas on the previous day. These leaders, elected after Filema's removal, were detained at the Picota police station. Although Filema attempted to justify convening the High Chamber through a communique, the summons for his opponents dated July 4th suggests a coordinated effort with political police to quash internal dissent.

"Filema and his supporters represent the worst to have graced the Grand Lodge in recent times," one participant told CubaNet. "It's the most anti-fraternal behavior I've witnessed in Freemasonry."

Symbolic Downfall of a False Leader

For more than seven hours, Freemasons maintained a symbolic siege around the building, determined to prevent Filema from leading the session. Witnesses reported Filema resorting to reporting his brothers to the Zanja police station to seek law enforcement intervention, while the building remained under civilian surveillance.

At around 2:00 p.m., Filema made another attempt to ascend, only to be met with firm resistance: "He will not ascend!" Stripped of support from his escort and the Ministry of Justice, Filema withdrew amidst insults shortly thereafter. An hour later, he reemerged to announce the session's suspension but declared he would not relinquish his role.

An Ongoing Struggle for Legitimacy

Despite Filema's physical removal, the internal conflict within Cuban Freemasonry remains unresolved. The Grand Lodge continues to be occupied by his followers with regime backing. The Freemasons are resolute, vowing to persist until they reclaim not only the building but also the legitimacy of their institution. Before departing on Sunday, they agreed to return daily, united by the resolve to restore the Grand Lodge's autonomy.

A pamphlet circulating among attendees conveyed a powerful message: "Freedom for the Grand Lodge of Cuba." With a legitimate quorum of 117 representatives and 121 Grand Lodge members, Filema was ousted, having arbitrarily suspended internal elections scheduled for March in a bid, according to his accusers, to cling to power. The vote was decisive: Filema had to leave, and Deputy Grand Master Juan Alberto Kessel Linares was duly appointed in his place.

However, the state's response was not to uphold internal legality but to retaliate and delegitimize. The Ministry of Justice, far from impartial mediation, supported the ousted Filema and later took a more drastic step by imposing Lázaro Cuesta Valdés as Commander of the Supreme Council, replacing José Ramón Viñas, a regime critic. This decision came with a direct threat: should the Freemasons reject the government-appointed leader, their bank accounts would be frozen, and they would lose their legal status as an association.

Despite the legitimacy of their actions, Filema and his officials ordered the closure of all Lodge premises, forcing the Freemasons to convene on the street, in front of the statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, under heavy police watch.

Since then, members of the order have tried unsuccessfully to re-enter Masonic headquarters. During a June demonstration, several brothers, including Kessel Linares, were detained and warned by authorities. The Directorate of Associations at the Ministry of Justice, led by Miriam García, has been harshly criticized for initially supporting Filema, despite the legal evidence presented by the Freemasons. Recently, Vice Minister Lilia María Hernández met with a delegation from the order, proposing a new Masonic session under the leadership of the already deposed leader.

Cuban Freemasonry, still reeling from a 2024 corruption scandal involving its previous Grand Master Mario Urquía Carreño, now faces its second major crisis.

Understanding the Crisis in Cuban Freemasonry

Why was Mayker Filema expelled from the Grand Lodge of Cuba?

Mayker Filema was expelled because he allegedly usurped his position as Grand Master with the support of the Cuban regime, undermining the autonomy of the Masonic institution.

How did the Freemasons react to the government support for Filema?

The Freemasons forcefully opposed Filema's leadership, conducting a peaceful but determined protest to reclaim their institution's independence from government interference.

What actions did the Cuban government take during this conflict?

The Cuban government supported Filema, imposed a new leader, and threatened the Freemasons with legal consequences if they did not comply with the imposed leadership.

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