Alfredo González, the father of young Cuban Annier González who took his own life while serving in the Mandatory Military Service (SMO), was detained this past Monday in Matanzas. This arrest followed his social media accusations against an officer he claims was directly responsible for the harassment and mistreatment his son endured leading up to his death.
The arrest was confirmed by academic and intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, who posted an update on Facebook stating that González was charged with "disrespect." She highlighted that he had been held for more than 30 hours at the Playa police station, while his wife waited outside, unable to secure legal representation for him.
González publicly alleged on Facebook that the "pre-supervisor," as he refers to the accused officer, is now accusing him of making threats. "The police just came to my house because the pre-supervisor who abused my son is accusing me of threatening to kill him... How low can these miserable people go? I'm heading to the police," he wrote prior to his detention.
His son passed away in 2023 under circumstances González describes as resulting from severe psychological and physical abuse during his military service. Since the tragedy, González has become a prominent critic of the SMO in Cuba, persistently documenting his journey through grief, accusation, and the pursuit of justice.
He has shared letters, videos, and messages targeting the authorities, and in February 2024, he vowed over his son's grave to continue fighting until justice is served. This incident is part of a rising wave of criticism against the military service from Cuban families and activists. During the fire at the Matanzas Supertanker Base in August 2022, it was revealed that several of the firefighters dispatched were untrained recruits. A similar situation arose recently in Melones, Holguín, where an explosion led to the deaths of young individuals, igniting further debate over the deployment of minors and involuntary youth in hazardous tasks.
González has been a visible advocate within this informal movement, also contributing to the Facebook group "No More VICTIMS in Cuban Military Service," where numerous families have shared accounts of deaths, accidents, and abuses within the military system. Until his arrest, González’s activism had been entirely peaceful and pursued through legal and institutional channels.
The charge of "disrespect" and the manner of his detention have sparked concern among Cubans both domestically and abroad, as well as among intellectuals and figures who have also faced State Security harassment. "This is a monumental injustice," wrote Alina Bárbara López, who has also faced political repression. "Alfredo is a peaceful man. He has pursued his case through legal channels. Now he's accused of making death threats against a police officer. Another sham to silence the tragedy we endure in this country," she emphasized.
González's detention adds to a long list of instances where citizens exposing sensitive issues—such as deaths in military units, institutional negligence, or police abuse—are criminally charged.
Cuban Military Service Controversies
Why was Alfredo González arrested in Cuba?
Alfredo González was arrested after accusing a military officer of being responsible for his son's harassment and death during mandatory military service. He was charged with "disrespect" following his public statements on social media.
What has González done to seek justice for his son?
González has actively documented his quest for justice through letters, videos, and messages directed at authorities. He has also vowed to continue his fight for justice and has been vocal in criticizing the SMO in Cuba.
How has the Cuban government responded to criticisms of military service?
The Cuban government has faced growing criticism over the use of untrained recruits in hazardous tasks and the treatment of individuals in military service. However, those who publicly challenge the system often face arrest and charges, like in the case of Alfredo González.