The Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has taken a surprising turn by appearing as a prosecution witness in the economic crimes trial against former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández. Despite having once been his academic mentor and publicly commending him even after his dismissal, Díaz-Canel's actions have been highlighted by Gil's sister, attorney María Victoria Gil, during an interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón.
The trial, which commenced on November 26 under tight secrecy, marks the second legal battle for the ex-minister. Previously, he faced espionage charges, a case where the prosecution sought a life sentence and which was broadcasted on Cuban national television. This time, however, the Cuban public remains uninformed about the corruption, money laundering, and influence peddling charges, leading to outrage from Gil's family.
Residing in Spain, María Victoria has direct sources within the proceedings and confirmed that the trial lasted four days, concluding in a verdict yet to be disclosed. She criticized the absolute secrecy, stating, "The population hasn't even been informed through the national television news… It's a disrespect to the Cuban people." In Spain, she noted, even high-profile state trials are public.
One of the most contentious revelations by María Victoria is Díaz-Canel's role as a prosecution witness. "The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel, appeared in court against my brother as a prosecution witness," she emphasized. Their close relationship, with Díaz-Canel having supervised Alejandro Gil's Economics thesis, adds a layer of betrayal to the situation.
Even after Gil's dismissal, Díaz-Canel publicly praised him for his "excellent work" and invited him to continue supporting the revolution. "They were inseparable," María Victoria remarked, expressing her shock at Díaz-Canel's willingness to testify against Gil to cleanse his own tarnished image. She described it as a personal and political betrayal.
Furthermore, María Victoria disclosed that the family faces pressure to remain silent. Her nephews and sister-in-law were allowed into the courtroom only after signing confidentiality agreements. Despite pleas from her niece to remain silent, María Victoria decided to speak out, arguing that the Cuban people deserve to know about high-level corruption cases.
She acknowledged her brother's admission to various economic crimes, blaming systemic corruption for his downfall. "The power corrupts, and in a corrupt circle, the environment leads you astray without realizing it," she stated, asserting that no minister emerges "clean" from a fundamentally corrupt system.
María Victoria insists that Gil is being used as a "scapegoat," claiming it's impossible for such widespread corruption to result in only Gil's downfall. She vowed to take the case to the International Court of Justice if necessary, aiming to hold all involved accountable.
The trial also addresses the potential confiscation of Gil's Miramar residence, a state-negotiated property swap. María Victoria clarified that the house isn't linked to illicit activities but was secured due to the poor conditions her brother faced as minister. "They can't just take the house away because it's neither ill-gotten nor the result of crime," she argued, acknowledging, however, that in a dictatorship, rights are often ignored.
She also criticized the abandonment by the elite who once surrounded her brother during his time in power, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who vanished when trouble arose. "Where are those who used to honor him and ask for favors now?" she questioned, pointing out the regime's attempt to protect its image by sacrificing a former ally.
As the regime keeps the trial shrouded in secrecy, the only news trickles out through independent media and María Victoria, who has chosen to confront the imposed silence and expose what she sees as a political maneuver to salvage the leadership's reputation, with Díaz-Canel at the forefront, at the expense of a once-trusted confidant.
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil's Trial
Why is Alejandro Gil facing trial?
Alejandro Gil is on trial for charges including corruption, money laundering, and influence peddling. This marks his second trial, the first being for espionage, where the prosecution sought a life sentence.
What role does Díaz-Canel play in the trial?
Díaz-Canel has appeared as a prosecution witness in the trial against Alejandro Gil, marking a significant shift given their previous close relationship and public praise.
How has the trial been conducted?
The trial has been conducted under strict secrecy and closed doors, with no official announcements to inform the public about the proceedings, causing dissatisfaction among Gil's family.