María Victoria Gil, sister of former Cuban Minister of Economy Alejandro Gil, has accused the Cuban government of showing disrespect to its citizens by keeping the details of his trial under wraps. Alejandro Gil, a key figure in the Cuban government for years, faces charges related to economic crimes.
María Victoria, a lawyer and former TV host, decided to break her silence after enduring months of pressure on her family. In a candid interview with journalist Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias, she expressed her frustration over the secrecy surrounding the trial.
"I speak because I hold the truth and find it unbelievable that the people's fundamental right to know the details of a trial involving economic crimes, corruption, asset laundering, and influence peddling, among others, is being denied," she stated.
The Right to Transparency
Living abroad, María Victoria emphasized how in democratic countries like Spain, even high-profile trials are public. "Cuba has the right to transparency. Here in Spain, I am informed daily about trials, even involving the attorney general, whose suspension was public," she noted.
She questioned why the Cuban government disrespects its people, who struggle and suffer daily, by withholding information about a high-profile case involving one of the nation's top officials. "Why deny them the sovereign right to understand the inner workings of such a significant case?" she asked.
Complete Secrecy and Closed Doors
The second trial against Alejandro Gil concluded last Saturday in the Marianao Court in Havana, with no official coverage or mention on Cuban National Television. Gil faced charges of embezzlement, tax evasion, influence peddling, and money laundering.
María Victoria denounced the lack of access to information, citing that neither the media nor the public received any updates. "The people weren't even informed through the national news. It's a blatant disrespect to the Cuban populace," she asserted.
The trial, lasting four days, is now awaiting a verdict. However, information has been so tightly controlled that Alejandro Gil's own children could only attend after signing confidentiality agreements.
A Controversial Testimony
Among the most shocking aspects of her testimony was her confirmation that Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel appeared as a witness against Alejandro Gil. "The President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel, testified against my brother as a witness for the prosecution," she emphasized.
This revelation is particularly controversial given their personal and political ties. "They were inseparable. My sister-in-law would say, 'they adore each other, they can't live without each other,'" María Victoria explained.
She condemned the president's actions as a personal and political betrayal, especially after Díaz-Canel publicly praised Gil's "excellent work" even following his dismissal in February 2024.
Scapegoat for a Corrupt System
While acknowledging her brother's involvement in economic crimes, María Victoria argued that he is being used as a scapegoat to shield the system. "I'm aware my brother committed economic offenses... Power corrupts, and the environment gradually pulls you in without realizing it," she admitted.
She criticized the judicial process as a political maneuver to "cleanse their image" while scapegoating a central figure in the government. "It's impossible for all this corruption to have happened, and only Gil is punished. The significant figures have disappeared, leaving only minor ones. The only one paying for everything is Alejandro Miguel Gil Fernández," she claimed.
Family Pressure and the Threat of Losing Everything
According to María Victoria, the family has been pressured to remain silent. "My niece begged me, 'Aunt, please, don't speak anymore; it only harms my father,'" she recounted. Despite this, she persisted: "The Cuban people have the right to know," she insisted.
The trial may result in the confiscation of the family's home, a property acquired through a state exchange. "This house was given to my brother through a state swap. It's not ill-gotten property... They shouldn't take it away," she protested, acknowledging, "but that's Cuba; they will take it because there are no rights under dictatorships."
Where Are the Former Allies?
María Victoria also questioned the absence of her brother's former allies. "When have they visited him in prison or asked his family if they're okay during these hard years?" she asked, pointing out that those who previously sought his favors are now nowhere to be found.
Despite the institutional secrecy, María Victoria is determined to continue speaking out and seeking justice. "I will take this case to the International Court of Justice. If economic crimes are proven, then everyone involved should be held accountable," she declared.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alejandro Gil's Trial
Why is María Victoria Gil speaking out?
María Victoria Gil is speaking out to expose the Cuban regime's lack of transparency regarding her brother's trial and to assert the public's right to know the details of the proceedings.
What charges is Alejandro Gil facing?
Alejandro Gil is facing charges of embezzlement, tax evasion, influence peddling, and money laundering.
How has the trial been conducted?
The trial has been conducted in secrecy, with no official coverage or public access, and Alejandro Gil's children had to sign confidentiality agreements to attend.
What was President Díaz-Canel's role in the trial?
President Miguel Díaz-Canel appeared as a witness for the prosecution against Alejandro Gil, which María Victoria Gil views as a personal and political betrayal.