Emerging from the shadows of two of Cuba's most controversial legal proceedings is the figure of Edward Roberts Campbell. Though he may not be a household name among the general public on the island, he's a figure of apprehension for activists and dissenters. This state prosecutor has been instrumental in the crackdown on a young woman for her social media posts and in the trial that culminated in a life sentence for former Economy Minister Alejandro Gil.
Campbell holds a significant position of power. According to his own profile from the Office of the Attorney General, since December 2020, he has served as the Chief Prosecutor in the Directorate for Combating Corruption and Illegal Activities. While the regime claims this role is to combat abuse and administrative corruption, his name is often linked to decisions that have profoundly impacted lives, serving as a stark warning.
One such warning was sent to Sulmira Martínez Pérez, a young activist. She was arrested in January 2023 after organizing protests on social media and bluntly criticizing the state of the nation. For these actions, the prosecution, with Campbell as a prominent figure, demanded over ten years of incarceration.
Sulmira endured months at Villa Marista and later at El Guatao prison, ultimately appearing in a state-run TV confession video, which her family claims was coerced. Her case has become a symbol of the lengths to which the regime will go to silence dissent.
Years later, Campbell resurfaced in the headlines, this time in a seemingly different yet equally symbolic trial: the prosecution of Alejandro Gil, once a key figure in Miguel Díaz-Canel's cabinet until his fall from grace.
The People’s Supreme Court sentenced Gil to life imprisonment on charges of espionage and corruption in a secretive trial reminiscent of past political purges where "betrayal" served as a pretext for internal scapegoating.
Controversy around Campbell reignited following a video by journalist Mario J. Pentón, featuring a recorded phone call with Ania Molinet, the prosecutor's wife and a fellow legal system insider.
In the recording, Molinet reacts discontentedly when informed of her husband's inclusion on the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba's list of oppressors, and when reminded that he condemned a young woman the same age as their daughter.
The tense conversation revealed another uncomfortable truth: while courts demand harsh penalties for those posting critical content, circulating evidence shows that the prosecutor's children engage in the informal trade of goods—a practice harshly prosecuted in Cuba, except when involving the elite.
Human rights organizations have condemned Edward Roberts Campbell for violating freedom of expression, due process, and fundamental rights recognized globally.
Today, Campbell's name weaves through two seemingly different stories, both born from the same oppressive system. In both instances, justice is not seen as protection but as a tool of repression.
Understanding Cuba's Legal System and its Key Figures
Who is Edward Roberts Campbell?
Edward Roberts Campbell is a high-ranking prosecutor in Cuba, known for his involvement in high-profile cases against activists and former government officials. He holds a key position in the Directorate for Combating Corruption and Illegal Activities.
What was Sulmira Martínez Pérez accused of?
Sulmira Martínez Pérez, a young activist, was accused of inciting protests and openly criticizing the Cuban regime on social media, leading to a demand by the prosecution for over a decade of imprisonment.
Why was Alejandro Gil sentenced to life imprisonment?
Alejandro Gil, a former minister, was sentenced to life in prison on charges of espionage and corruption, in a trial marked by secrecy and reminiscent of past political purges.