Cuban Justice Minister Responds to Allegations of Interference in Masonic Affairs

Óscar Manuel Silvera Martínez, the Cuban Minister of Justice, has publicly addressed accusations regarding government interference in the internal matters of the Cuban freemasonry. Speaking on the National Television News (NTV), the head of the Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) emphasized the legal framework guiding associations in Cuba while acknowledging the historical respect his ministry holds for the Grand Lodge of Cuba. He avoided directly mentioning the recent leadership conflicts within the Masonic institution or the individuals involved in the dispute.

MINJUS's Legal Framework for Associations

From the onset of his address, Silvera highlighted the legal foundation supporting his ministry's actions. "The 1985 Law 54, known as the law of association, grants the Ministry of Justice a leading role in the formation, creation, and oversight of associative forms," stated the minister. This "leading role" entails a legal obligation for the ministry to monitor, supervise, and ensure compliance with the regulations governing registered organizations: "This regulation entrusts the MINJUS with the responsibility of control, care, and enforcement of the association law," he clarified.

According to Silvera, there are currently 2,261 registered associative forms in Cuba, out of which 1,141 are fraternal, including a significant number of Masonic groups.

State Recognition of Freemasonry's Autonomy

The minister further acknowledged the Cuban state's legal recognition of freemasonry, describing it as "a fraternal association with a social character" and noting its constitution through registration in the Association Registry. He stressed that the Grand Lodge of Cuba is not exempt from state oversight but is part of a regulatory framework applicable to all similar entities. Nonetheless, he emphasized that this does not imply any interference.

"With the Grand Lodge of Cuba and other Lodges, we have maintained a relationship of closeness and respect," Silvera noted. He insisted that his ministry deeply respects the autonomy of freemasonry, particularly concerning its internal legislation. "Freemasonry has extensive legislation covering all aspects of its fraternity life, with mechanisms to address various situations that may arise," he stated. He also mentioned that they have mechanisms to handle the diverse and complex situations that occur in the daily life of freemasonry.

Internal Disputes and Ministry's Role

Without explicitly naming individuals or recent events, Silvera portrayed the tensions within the institution as an internal issue: "It is an internal matter that they must address and resolve according to their rules." He acknowledged that there are "differences in the manner, form, and procedure of electing the Grand Master," which have caused divisions within the fraternity.

Regarding the Ministry of Justice's role during the crisis, Silvera admitted that there have been multiple interactions with the opposing factions. "There have been repeated discussions, meetings, and interviews requested by both representatives of these Masonic groups and the Ministry of Justice itself, aiming to ensure greater clarity on these issues," he stated, reiterating that this has been done with institutional respect. "We have insisted that they seek the formulas and methods, based on their regulations, to ensure compliance with Masonic legislation in resolving their differences," he added.

Firm Denial of Allegations

One of the minister's most forceful points was a categorical denial of any government interference in Masonic affairs. "The accusations of interference, favoritism, or privileges supposedly exercised by government entities over members of these groups are false […] It is false, tendentious, and malicious to attribute any interference by the Ministry of Justice or any other government institution in the Masonic institution," he reiterated.

"In our case, there has been and will be no action that interferes, privileges, or seeks to establish the prevalence of some over others. What Masonic institutions decide, what the men within those institutions decide, is what we will comply with and respect," he emphasized. He also deemed the criticisms directed at MINJUS officials as unacceptable.

He described as "incorrect and inadmissible" the dissemination of slander and offenses against Ministry of Justice officials and directors, noting that these attitudes "ignore the essence of mutual respect and consideration that has characterized the work between the Ministry of Justice and freemasonry."

Justice Ministry's Defense Against Criticism

Minister Silvera's remarks aim to shield the Ministry of Justice from mounting criticism over its alleged involvement in the internal crisis of Cuban freemasonry. Through a technical defense of the legal framework and a discourse of institutional respect, the official sought to distance the government from the conflict within the Grand Lodge.

However, independent media such as Cubanet have reported that MINJUS has indeed taken sides in the controversy by openly supporting Mayker Filema Duarte, who remains as Grand Master despite being ousted by the majority of the Masonic High Chamber. According to these reports, the Ministry has disregarded the internal election of Juan Alberto Kessel Linares as the new leader of the fraternity, a decision made in accordance with Masonic statutes.

Cubanet argues that this state backing of Filema Duarte, who assumed the position following the departure of the previous Grand Master accused of embezzlement, contradicts the non-interference principles publicly defended by the minister. This official stance has deepened the schism within Cuban freemasonry and fueled perceptions of institutional favoritism, despite Silvera's assertions to the contrary.

Ultimately, the words of the MINJUS head fail to fully dispel doubts or appease discontent within the Masonic guild, where a considerable majority demands that the Grand Lodge's leadership be resolved democratically and without external pressure. The rift remains open, and the outcome is still uncertain.