Nearly two weeks after the conclusion of the espionage trial against former Cuban Economy Minister Alejandro Gil, the Cuban government remains tight-lipped. The authorities have not even acknowledged that the trial has ended. From Spain, his sister, former TV host María Victoria Gil, has broken the silence, asserting that the ex-official is accused of spying for the CIA and that a life sentence is already predetermined.
In an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias, María Victoria revealed that a "very reliable" source, whom she could not disclose, confirmed to her that her brother is accused of espionage "on behalf of the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States."
"I was left speechless when I received this information," she admitted. "I do not believe my brother would ever become a spy for any country, let alone the CIA. However, this is the information I have, it's corroborated and verified, and I am not sharing false information."
Accusations Framed by Cuba's Long-Standing Narrative
The sister of the former minister contextualizes the accusation within the Cuban regime's longstanding narrative of blaming the United States to deflect from internal failures. "They always blame the United States for the failures of a corrupt system that has destroyed the country," she stated.
Alejandro Firmly Denies Espionage Charges
María Victoria further mentioned that, according to her sources, Alejandro Gil has denied the espionage charges from the outset.
"Alejandro Miguel Gil Fernández categorically denies each and every accusation related to espionage for the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States. He has refuted them firmly, point by point, since the investigation began," she declared.
She also praised the defense attorney, Dr. Solar, who she claimed performed "brilliantly" in countering each allegation against the former Cuban economic leader.
Yet, María Victoria is convinced that the outcome is already decided. "He will not escape a life sentence. That verdict is predetermined," she insisted. "I say this with the confidence of my legal expertise and the way events have unfolded."
Opaque Justice and the Role of State Security
María Victoria emphasized that her brother's case doesn't involve an independent judiciary but rather the repressive apparatus of the state.
She noted that espionage cases in Cuba are not handled by the Prosecutor General's Office but are directly managed by State Security in "encrypted" and non-transparent processes, making it hard to discern whether the charges are based on real events or a fabricated narrative aimed at destroying an individual.
"It's very challenging to determine if a case is based on real facts or a giant lie to prosecute someone to the fullest extent," she explained.
According to her understanding, in a regime where the ruling elite is deeply entrenched in corruption, a strong scapegoat is needed to preserve the rest. "In a country where the entire leadership is corrupt, how can you prosecute an official for corruption, money laundering, or influence peddling? You would have to prosecute them all," she questioned.
Key Insights into the Espionage Case Against Alejandro Gil
What are the accusations against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil is accused of espionage for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States.
How has Alejandro Gil responded to these charges?
He has categorically denied all accusations related to espionage, refuting them point by point since the beginning of the investigation.
What does María Victoria Gil say about the Cuban justice system?
She claims the justice system is not independent and is influenced by the state’s repressive apparatus, making it difficult to ascertain the truthfulness of the charges.