The sister of former Cuban Economy Minister, Alejandro Gil Fernández, spoke with Telemundo 51 about the legal proceedings against the ex-official, who is facing serious charges by the regime, including espionage and money laundering.
María Victoria Gil acknowledged her brother's political and moral responsibilities but criticized the absence of true justice in Cuba, highlighting the political nature of the impending trial.
A Political Trial Amidst a Broken System
From her home in the Canary Islands, the former television presenter commented on the trial of her brother, Alejandro Gil, who for years was one of the most prominent figures in Miguel Díaz-Canel's government.
"Alejandro Gil is responsible, responsible for the monetary reordering, responsible for inflation, responsible for the misery, responsible for the desperate situation our people are in. He is accountable, as are the entire leadership, Díaz-Canel, Raúl, Marrero, and the others. They are guilty and will face judgement when Cuba has a democratic government," she declared.
Nevertheless, María Victoria emphasized that she cannot accept him being judged by the very regime that has led the country into its current downfall.
"His collaborators cannot be his executioners," she asserted.
A Family's Struggle with Political Power
The sister of the ousted leader recalled that for years she had warned him about the direction the country was taking and his role in that decline.
"I told him many times: the only dignified option you have is to resign and stand up and say: 'this system is a failure, and I will not be part of it.' He didn’t, because he trusted, he didn’t believe," she maintained.
"And I am sure he benefited from the perks of power, like everyone else. I do not doubt that," she added.
A Call for International Support
Despite her criticisms, she denounced that the judicial process against him is a political maneuver to create a scapegoat for the national disaster.
"My brother knows many things that many people would prefer to remain unknown... can anyone believe Alejandro Gil acted alone?" she questioned.
The former minister has been in provisional detention for over a year and a half, accused of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and forgery of public documents, among other charges.
The prosecution presented the proceedings to the People's Supreme Court on October 31, and according to his sister, the trial will take place before the year ends.
"They have added the charge of espionage precisely to have the legal cover to conduct a closed trial. In Cuba, there is no separation of powers: the State accuses, judges, and condemns. That life sentence has already been determined," she claimed.
According to María Victoria, her brother's defense—led by criminal lawyer Dr. Solar—"can do little against a political decision of this magnitude." Nevertheless, she calls for international support to demand a public and transparent trial.
"I will fight for the truth even if I have no hope. My brother is broken, but he deserves to defend himself before the Cuban people," she emphasized.
Public Demand for Transparency
Recently, the former minister's daughter, Laura María Gil González, also broke her silence to request that her father's trial be public.
In her message, shared on social media, she referred to articles 54 and 48 of the Cuban Constitution—which recognize freedom of expression and the right to honor—to demand transparency and reject official manipulation.
"I join the popular request for an open trial, where anyone who wishes can participate, and for it to be broadcast live. My father has been demanding this since day one," wrote Laura María, who until recently worked for the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
An Unsettling Case for the Regime
The case of Alejandro Gil, accused of a dozen crimes—including espionage, bribery, embezzlement, influence peddling, and money laundering—has shaken the foundations of the Cuban government.
The regime launched the digital campaign #CeroImpunidad, attempting to project an image of institutional discipline, while public opinion both inside and outside the island perceives the process as a political maneuver to divert attention from the economic and social crisis facing the country.
In this context, María Victoria Gil's words allude to her brother's responsibility for Cuba's economic debacle, but also to the hypocrisy of the regime now judging him.
"Yes, my brother is guilty of the misery, the inflation, the reordering... but so are all those accusing him today. He must be held accountable, but before a free people, not his executioners," she demanded.
Her testimony, a blend of pain, self-criticism, and denunciation, exposes the cracks of a system that, in her view, "can no longer continue."
Understanding Alejandro Gil's Legal Battle
What charges is Alejandro Gil facing?
Alejandro Gil is facing charges of espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and forgery of public documents, among others.
Why is the trial of Alejandro Gil considered political?
The trial is considered political because it's seen as a maneuver to create a scapegoat for Cuba's national issues, and there are concerns about the lack of transparency and fairness in the process.
What is María Victoria Gil's stance on her brother's trial?
María Victoria Gil believes her brother is responsible for his actions but argues that he should be judged by a free Cuban people, not by the regime that is also culpable.