This Monday, the Cuban authorities announced a life sentence for former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil Fernández, convicting him of espionage for the United States, ongoing corruption, theft of official documents, and various economic crimes. An additional case concluded with a 20-year sentence, asset forfeiture, and a ban from holding public office.
The harshness of the sentence did not come as a shock to his family. From Spain, his sister, legal expert and former presenter María Victoria Gil, had cautioned weeks earlier that the life sentence was “preordained,” asserting that the entire process was a political maneuver orchestrated by the repressive state apparatus.
The People's Supreme Court indicated that during the hearings in November, severe crimes were proven that justified the maximum penalty, according to their account.
The official report labeled the former minister as a “corrupt and deceptive” official who had misled the nation and provided classified information “to enemy services.”
Nevertheless, the most explosive charge, alleged espionage for the CIA, was never publicly detailed, nor was any evidence disclosed.
This lack of information was filled by the most vocal advocate in the case: his sister, who claimed the investigation was fully controlled by State Security, with “encrypted” files and no real assurances.
“The verdict was already decided.” In interviews with Martí Noticias and El Mundo de Darwin, María Victoria stated that “Alejandro categorically denies every point related to espionage.” Despite the defense, led by lawyer Abel Solás, having refuted each accusation, the outcome, she said, was unavoidable.
“He won’t escape the life sentence. That verdict is predetermined,” she maintained, days before the court made it official.
Alejandro Gil’s downfall began on February 1, 2024, with a call from Marrero informing him of his dismissal due to “poor performance,” his sister noted.
Weeks later, when the former minister returned to the prime minister’s office to submit documents, he encountered two State Security officers, who informed him he was under investigation.
According to the family, what followed was confinement in homes controlled by MININT, a file created without transparency, and a transfer to a high-security prison where he receives only 15 minutes of visitation every 15 days.
María Victoria argues that the case doesn’t merely reveal an alleged crime but “internal power struggles,” where a scapegoat is made of an official to protect others.
Silence from Authorities Leaves Family as Sole Voice
The trial concluded without any official media coverage. Neither the News Program nor the state press mentioned the proceedings. The family was only allowed to attend after signing confidentiality documents, which, according to the sister, aim to “silence the victims.”
While the court asserts that all guarantees were respected, the family denounces isolation, opacity, and a politically motivated case to convict one of the most prominent figures of the disastrous “monetary reorganization” and the economic crisis affecting Cuban lives.
The life sentence is now official. Yet, like much within Cuban power, the true reasons behind Alejandro Gil's fall remain a mystery, as does the identity of those shielded by his conviction.
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil's Life Sentence
What charges led to Alejandro Gil's life sentence?
Alejandro Gil was sentenced to life for espionage for the United States, ongoing corruption, theft of official documents, and various economic crimes.
Why does Alejandro Gil's family believe the trial was predetermined?
His sister, María Victoria, claimed the sentence was preordained due to political motives, with the process controlled by State Security and lacking transparency.
Was any evidence of espionage publicly disclosed?
No evidence of espionage was publicly shared, and the charge of spying for the CIA was never explained.