Cuba's Supreme People's Court has confirmed the life sentence handed down to former Minister of Economy and ex-Deputy Prime Minister Alejandro Gil. This decision was reached after dismissing two appeals filed by his legal team.
The ruling not only affirms the life sentence for espionage but also upholds a 20-year sentence for a range of corruption-related charges, including embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering.
As reported by EFE, the Court communicated to all parties involved that it would not accept any appeals filed by Gil's defense, one contesting the espionage conviction and another challenging the nearly dozen criminal charges.
With this decision, the country's highest judicial authority has effectively closed the standard legal avenues for overturning the verdict.
In an official statement, the Supreme Court stated that Gil "deceived the country's leadership and the people he represented, causing economic harm." It further accused him of "mishandling classified official information, stealing, damaging, and ultimately handing it over to enemy services."
The judges described these actions as "highly damaging behaviors" deserving of a "severe penal response."
"Betraying the nation is the gravest of crimes, and those who commit it face the harshest penalties," the document emphasizes.
The statement from the Supreme People's Court did not mention the dozen individuals allegedly tried alongside Gil nor did it provide details on their status.
The Dramatic Fall of a Powerful Figure
Alejandro Gil was removed from his positions in February 2024. A month later, the government announced his arrest and the launch of a judicial investigation after what were described at the time as "serious errors" were identified.
In November of that year, the General Prosecutor's Office formally charged him with 11 crimes, adding the espionage charge, which gave the case a much more severe political and criminal dimension than initially suggested.
He faced trial in a double hearing in November, and on December 8, the Supreme People's Court announced the guilty verdicts on both counts.
For espionage, the judges imposed a life sentence, while for the remaining charges, he received an additional 20-year prison sentence along with ancillary penalties.
The entire process and trial remained closed to both the public and the media.
Until his downfall, Alejandro Gil was a close associate of leader Díaz-Canel and a member of the Communist Party's Political Bureau. He was responsible for implementing the "Tarea Ordenamiento," an economic reform intended to eliminate the dual currency system but ultimately failed, devaluing the Cuban peso, paving the way for dollarization, and plunging much of the population into poverty.
The confirmation of Alejandro Gil's life sentence closes, at least judicially, one of the most sensitive episodes for recent Cuban power: the fall of a man once touted as one of the architects of the nation's economic policy, now officially branded as a traitor and spy.
Key Questions About Alejandro Gil's Espionage Conviction
What were the charges against Alejandro Gil?
Alejandro Gil was charged with espionage, embezzlement, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, and several other corruption-related crimes.
Why was the trial of Alejandro Gil closed to the public?
The trial was kept private to potentially control information and manage the sensitive nature of the charges, which included espionage and corruption at high government levels.
How did Alejandro Gil's policies impact Cuba?
Alejandro Gil implemented the "Tarea Ordenamiento" economic reform, which was intended to eliminate the dual currency system but led to the devaluation of the Cuban peso, dollarization, and increased poverty.