Laura María Gil, the daughter of ousted Cuban Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, has reported experiencing restricted internet access and issues with her WhatsApp account following the announcement of her father's trial. This development coincided with the case being publicized on state television.
In a widely shared audio recording, Laura María revealed that neither she nor her family had any prior knowledge that the legal proceedings would be made public through the media.
"We didn't know either; we had no idea. My grandmother was the one who informed me that it was announced on the one o'clock news," she recounted while explaining that she was at home caring for her sick daughter when she learned of the news.
Shortly after the official announcement, her WhatsApp access was partially restricted.
"I have over 20 messages that I can't respond to. It says I can't reply to new contacts, as if my account has been limited for 24 hours. This has never happened to me before," stated the daughter of the former minister. Just days earlier, she had demanded that her father's trial be conducted publicly.
Laura María also mentioned that her internet connection had become "extremely poor" since early that day. "I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but normally the connection here isn't bad," she remarked.
Expressing her frustration and distrust towards the allegations her father faces, she insisted that the process is politically motivated.
"I know he's not a spy and never will be. I am completely sure that this is a total distortion of everything," she asserted.
The audio conveys her fear and helplessness in dealing with a process shrouded in secrecy: "No matter what is said or what evidence is shown, nobody will convince me otherwise. People are judging a minister, but I'm judging my father. I will fight as much as I can within the limits allowed," she vowed.
Laura María also shared her uncertainty about attending the trial, which is reportedly set to be closed to the public.
"I'll do everything possible to attend, even if it's just me. But if I can't, I'll wait for the verdict," she declared, expressing her desire to directly understand the arguments presented in the trial.
In another part of the audio, she called on the government to demonstrate transparency and accountability to the public.
"If they ultimately decide to convict him, they should explain what he did, for whom he did it, and what he received in return. For the sake of dignity, they should have the moral decency to provide a clear statement," she affirmed, emphasizing that official silence only breeds distrust.
Alejandro Gil Fernández, dismissed on February 2, 2024, and under investigation by the regime since March 7, 2024, is facing two separate legal proceedings. The most serious charge is espionage, for which the prosecution seeks a life sentence.
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil Fernández's Trial
What are the charges against Alejandro Gil Fernández?
Alejandro Gil Fernández faces two separate legal proceedings, with the most serious being a charge of espionage, for which a life sentence is sought by the prosecution.
How has Laura María Gil been affected since the trial announcement?
Laura María Gil has reported restricted internet access and partial blocking of her WhatsApp account since the trial announcement, coinciding with the publicization of her father's case on state television.