A heated argument in a product queue in San Luis, Santiago de Cuba escalated into a public altercation involving prosecutor María Elba Riera Limonta and a local citizen. Initially detained and facing provisional imprisonment, the citizen, Anisleidis Calás, saw her situation change when public pressure led authorities to replace the jail sentence with a 5,000 peso fine, highlighting the unequal treatment between government officials and ordinary citizens.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, posting on Facebook, reported that Calás will be released following the fine payment. She had been detained since last Saturday, after an argument with Riera Limonta in the queue turned into a heated dispute. Both parties reportedly hurled insults and caused a public disturbance, yet it was the prosecutor's complaint that set off a judicial process initially leading to provisional imprisonment for Calás Marange.
Mayeta, an activist based in the United States, further revealed that Calás's family called the procedure excessive and arbitrary, especially considering her health issues. Calás was under medical certification for anemia and pending surgery, raising concerns about the fairness of her treatment.
The Power of Public Pressure
The imprisonment order remained until the case garnered attention. As the situation gained visibility, the Provincial Prosecutor's Office reevaluated the case, opting to replace the prison sentence with a 5,000 peso fine, thus allowing Calás to regain her freedom shortly.
Questions About the Prosecutor's Responsibility
While Calás faced penalties, the question of prosecutor Riera Limonta's accountability remains unanswered. Witnesses noted that both parties engaged in similar public disturbances, yet only one faced legal consequences. This disparity has raised concerns about the application of the law, where government officials seem to escape repercussions.
This incident underscores ongoing complaints among many Cubans about the preferential treatment afforded to officials within the system compared to ordinary citizens. For Calás's family, her release is a relief, yet they argue it exemplifies how power often tries to override justice.
Legal Disparities in Cuba's Judicial System
Why was Anisleidis Calás initially detained?
Anisleidis Calás was initially detained following an altercation with prosecutor María Elba Riera Limonta in a product line, which led to a judicial process considering provisional imprisonment.
How did public pressure influence the case?
Public pressure brought visibility to the case, prompting the Provincial Prosecutor's Office to replace Calás's imprisonment with a fine, allowing her release.
What health issues did Anisleidis Calás face?
Anisleidis Calás was dealing with anemia and was under medical certification, with a pending surgery, which raised additional concerns about her detention.