The 21-year-old Cuban influencer, Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, known as Anna Bensi, from Havana, has captured the attention of international media after her videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook gained traction. In her content, she discusses the harsh realities of life in Cuba while advocating for freedom.
Journalist Daniel Lozano featured her in an article for El Mundo, highlighting that Bensi has "left fear behind" and has emerged as a significant critic of the Cuban regime.
In the cited interview, Bensi reveals that she has faced harassment due to her activism. She claims she was pressured into leaving her job at a beauty salon, experiences random internet outages, and is under surveillance in her neighborhood to intimidate her.
Describing her personal hardships, Bensi mentions that her family faces severe struggles: she and her mother sometimes eat only once a day, water availability is "critical," and power outages average 12 hours in Havana, with other provinces experiencing up to 48-hour blackouts.
Her rising prominence is also linked to the recent arrest of influencers Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina from the independent project El 4tico.
The Risk of Dissent
Bensi explains that her latest video serves as a tribute to Zayas and Medina, asserting they were jailed "for thinking differently." She believes their arrest is meant to "deter" young people from speaking out, but despite the dangers, she remains unafraid and committed to sharing "the truth" from her perspective.
Another interview has brought Bensi into the spotlight of a U.S. publication. Cuban journalist Yoe Suárez introduced her in The Washington Stand as "the young evangelical behind a viral message of faith and freedom for Cuba," marking her expansion to audiences beyond the island.
Bensi admits she has considered emigrating, echoing the sentiment of "nearly two million" Cubans who have left since the July 11 protests, as noted in the article. Yet, she currently feels "more free" and expresses hope for political change by 2026.
"I have left fear behind because freedom is a thousand times more important," she asserts in the quoted interview.
Understanding Anna Bensi's Impact and Struggles
Why has Anna Bensi gained international media attention?
Anna Bensi has gained international media attention due to her viral videos on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where she discusses the harsh living conditions in Cuba and advocates for freedom.
What challenges has Anna Bensi faced because of her activism?
Anna Bensi has faced harassment, including being pressured into leaving her job, experiencing random internet outages, and being under surveillance in her neighborhood as a form of intimidation due to her outspoken activism.
How does Anna Bensi view her role in the context of recent arrests of influencers in Cuba?
Anna Bensi sees her role as crucial in highlighting the plight of those who are arrested for speaking out against the regime, like Kamil Zayas and Ernesto Ricardo Medina. She uses her platform to honor their courage and continue advocating for freedom.