Cuban National Assembly Addresses Father's Complaint Over Son's Death in Military Service

The National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) has issued a written response to Alfredo González's plea concerning alleged misconduct and mistreatment linked to the death of his son, Annier González, during Active Military Service (AMS). According to information shared by González on social media, the Assembly advised him to hire an attorney from a Collective Law Firm to pursue legal action and, if deemed necessary, to contact the General Prosecutor's Office for legal violations.

The ANPP emphasized that due to the sensitive nature of the issue, the complainant should seek legal advice from a Collective Law Firm and file a lawsuit in court. González contends that there have been falsehoods in the actions of the prosecution and the courts, as well as mistreatment by Ministry of the Interior (MININT) officials towards him and his son.

Additionally, he claims that the lawyer he attempted to appoint faced coercion, and during the trial, his right to speak was limited, while another individual was allowed to participate without restrictions. The father submitted a request for a digital interview with the ANPP to present what he claims are evidence of irregularities in the investigation of his son's death during military service.

González recounts having visited the General Prosecutor's Office twice, only for the case to be referred back to the very entities he accuses. The ANPP's communication refrains from addressing the core allegations, instead directing him to pursue the "ordinary judicial route" with legal representation. Their guidance includes the option to initiate fiscal oversight for legal breaches at the General Prosecutor's Office.

In July, González was arrested after publicly accusing an officer, whom he believed was directly responsible for the harassment and mistreatment endured by his son prior to his 2023 death. Since then, González has emerged as a prominent critic of the AMS in Cuba, using videos, letters, and posts to expose systemic abuses.

In February 2024, he vowed over his son's grave to relentlessly seek justice. Annier González's case is part of a rising tide of scrutiny towards military service on the island, especially following tragic incidents involving inadequately trained personnel. In 2025 alone, at least 13 young individuals fulfilling the mandatory AMS requirement imposed by the regime have died.

In January, explosions at a military warehouse in Melones (Rafael Freyre, Holguín) resulted in the confirmed deaths of nine recruits. In May, a young Cuban named Léster Álvarez reportedly took his own life while serving at the Ariza prison in Cienfuegos province, a tragedy that has deeply affected his community.