Former Cuban Minister of Economy, Alejandro Gil Fernández, could be facing a life sentence alongside an additional 30 years in prison in a second trial shrouded in secrecy, as revealed by his sister, María Victoria Gil, in an interview with Martí Noticias.
According to María Victoria, the family has unofficially learned about the severity of the penalties sought, despite having no formal access to the case file. She shared this information with journalist Mario J. Pentón.
The prosecution's request for a life sentence is based on allegations of espionage, while a separate trial related to economic offenses could result in a three-decade imprisonment.
The new trial is reportedly imminent, although no official date or details have been disclosed by the authorities. "I have information indicating that the trial is about to happen, potentially this week," María Victoria mentioned.
Secrecy Surrounds the Legal Proceedings
There is an absolute veil of secrecy surrounding the case. The family has not received any official documents, and as María Victoria explains, Cuban law does not require that families be given access to the prosecutor's provisional conclusions.
Neither the prosecution nor the Ministry of the Interior has issued any public statements regarding the charges. The case is unfolding in the typical shadowy manner of political trials in the island nation.
Concerns Over Closed-Door Trials
The family suspects that the trial will once again be conducted behind closed doors, similar to the recent espionage trial. According to María Victoria, the involvement of numerous high-ranking officials and the sensitivity of the information make it unlikely that observers will be allowed.
"My brother wants to speak out, and of course, they will silence him," she asserted. The possibility of figures like Manuel Marrero or even Miguel Díaz-Canel being called as witnesses has not been ruled out.
Allegations Stemming from International Experience
The economic crimes attributed to Gil, as stated by his sister, date back to his time as a manager at the maritime insurance company Caudal in the United Kingdom, where he enjoyed a standard of living starkly different from the Cuban reality.
The authorities have also placed his family under investigation, conducting unannounced searches of their homes and confiscating electronic devices.
Although the ex-minister's wife was released after spending four months detained at a Ministry of the Interior guest house, the family remains under intense scrutiny. The ex-minister’s niece claims to be constantly followed by a car, a pattern reminiscent of Cuba's repressive practices.
Political Motives Amidst National Crisis
This second trial against Alejandro Gil comes at a time of national turmoil, characterized by relentless blackouts, rampant inflation, and growing public discontent.
For the family, the judicial onslaught is nothing but a political maneuver designed to divert attention and pin the blame for a disaster orchestrated and approved by the entire leadership. The sentence, warns his sister, has already been predetermined.
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil’s Legal Battle
What are the charges against Alejandro Gil Fernández?
Alejandro Gil Fernández faces charges of espionage, which could lead to a life sentence, and economic crimes that might result in an additional 30 years in prison.
Why is the trial being conducted in secrecy?
The trial is shrouded in secrecy due to the involvement of high-ranking officials and the sensitive nature of the information, which the Cuban regime prefers to keep away from public scrutiny.
How has the family of Alejandro Gil been affected?
The family has been subjected to intense scrutiny, with their homes searched without notice and electronic devices seized. They also report being constantly monitored by the authorities.