Cuban former television host, María Victoria Gil, addressed the rumors circulating on social media and in parts of the independent press regarding Miguel Díaz-Canel's testimony in the economic crimes trial against his brother, former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, this past Monday.
In an interview with YouTuber Darwin Santana, known for his channel El Mundo de Darwin, the legal expert clarified that while Díaz-Canel did serve as a witness for the prosecution, he was not present in the courtroom as some outlets suggested. Instead, his testimony was provided in a "closed session" through a signed declaration.
"I never claimed that Miguel Díaz-Canel was physically present at the trial," she emphasized. "I stated he appeared as a prosecution witness, which can be done in various ways under procedural law. He gave his testimony behind closed doors and signed it, detailing the crimes my brother is accused of."
Now residing in Spain, the lawyer expressed that the leader's role as a witness for the prosecution represents a deep personal and political betrayal towards someone who was once his closest ally.
"A man who can betray a friend, a brother," she lamented. "He not only betrays as a politician to salvage his tarnished image; he betrays as a human being."
She recalled their "very close" relationship, noting that Díaz-Canel supervised the former minister's economics thesis, publicly praised him even after his dismissal, and congratulated him for his "excellent work" just days before the scandal erupted.
"They were inseparable… Now, to save himself, he testifies against him," she remarked.
A Secretive Trial and Severe Sentencing Proposal
María Victoria reiterated that the trial, which concluded after four consecutive sessions, was conducted with "absolute secrecy." Neither Cuban Television News nor any official media mentioned the trial involving embezzlement, influence peddling, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
The family was allowed entry only after signing a "confidentiality agreement," a tactic she claims is used to "silence the victims and prevent the public from learning the truth."
She explained that the prosecution is seeking a 30-year prison sentence for her brother.
While acknowledging that her brother has confessed to some economic offenses, María Victoria insists he is being used as a "scapegoat" for a crisis involving many other officials.
"Power corrupts, and in a corrupt system, it's impossible for a minister to remain untainted. But it isn't fair for all the blame to fall on one person," she argued. "The key figures have vanished, leaving my brother to take the fall."
Breaking the Silence Imposed by the Regime
Despite family pressure, including pleas from her niece who worries her statements might worsen the former minister's situation, María Victoria is determined to continue speaking out against what she views as a political maneuver to protect the ruling elite.
"The Cuban people deserve to know what happened," she declared. "I speak because I have the truth in my hands. In dictatorships, there are no rights, but at least let the injustice be recorded."
The former host vowed to keep the public informed about the case, convinced that the only way light can penetrate a closed judicial process is from outside.
Understanding the Cuban Judicial Process
How did Díaz-Canel testify in Alejandro Gil's trial?
Díaz-Canel provided his testimony in a closed session through a signed declaration, rather than being physically present in the courtroom.
What crimes is Alejandro Gil accused of?
Alejandro Gil faces charges of embezzlement, influence peddling, money laundering, and other economic crimes.
Why is María Victoria Gil speaking out?
María Victoria Gil is speaking out to expose what she believes is a political maneuver to protect the upper echelons of power, ensuring the Cuban people understand the injustices occurring.