The Cuban Ministry of the Interior has publicly accused Cuban national Maritza Lugo Fernández, who resides in the United States, of being the alleged mastermind behind a thwarted armed incursion off the coast of Villa Clara, in the Corralillo municipality.
The accusation was made by Colonel Víctor Álvarez Valle, the deputy chief of the Specialized Department for Crimes Against State Security, during a special broadcast of "Las Razones de Cuba" this past Friday.
Who is Maritza Lugo Fernández?
Colonel Álvarez declared, "Our criminal investigation process has determined that the intellectual authorship of this action belongs to the counter-revolutionary Maritza Lugo Fernández, a Cuban residing in the United States."
He further alleged that from her estate, "these actions were prepared," identifying her as a "counter-revolutionary leader of the November 30th Movement."
Álvarez asserted that Lugo was "providing money, subsidizing, organizing, and financing" the operation. He claimed that some individuals involved in the intercepted boat were members of her group and asserted that the execution of these actions "has a violent profile."
According to his account, Lugo will also be added to the "list of terrorists against Cuba" as she is mentioned by detainees as "the principal organizer."
The colonel stated that in 2024, after founding a group called "Nido del Cuervo," Lugo sought "external funding to incite members to orchestrate an armed infiltration in Cuba."
He noted that she had previously been convicted of bribery and incitement. Additionally, he claimed that the opposition figure used "her subversive actions" to connect with officials at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, aiming to secure her family's exit from the country.
While the colonel did not provide further details about this process, he presented it as part of a history that, according to authorities, links her to opposition activities and confrontations with the Cuban state.
Details of the Armed Confrontation in Cuban Waters
During the broadcast, officials described the events of February 25, when a boat from the United States was intercepted in waters the government considers national jurisdiction.
The official version claims the group was transporting weapons and military supplies, opening fire on a unit of the Border Troops, resulting in the injury of the Cuban boat's captain.
The colonel alleged the group's intent was "to infiltrate, incite public disorder, carry out violent acts, attack military units," and "overthrow the revolution," which he stated is "fully substantiated."
In this narrative, Maritza Lugo Fernández is portrayed as the individual organizing the logistics and financing from abroad.
As of now, the accusations against Maritza Lugo Fernández are based solely on the statements made by authorities on state television.
No documentary evidence against her was presented during the broadcast, nor was her side of the story provided. It also remains unclear if she will face a trial in absentia or if any formal efforts exist to hold her accountable outside of Cuba.
This public accusation places her at the heart of what the regime has labeled as an organized external aggression attempt.
However, beyond the official claims, the investigation's progress and the potential presentation of evidence will be crucial in substantiating the accusations made on the state-run television program.
On her Facebook profile, Maritza Lugo stated this past Saturday, "There is no greater act of love and sacrifice than giving one's life for one's brothers and homeland. Down with the murderous Castro-Canel communism. Fire to the dictatorship."
Key Questions About Maritza Lugo Fernández's Accusations
What are the accusations against Maritza Lugo Fernández?
Maritza Lugo Fernández is accused by the Cuban government of being the mastermind behind a failed armed incursion aimed at infiltrating Cuba and inciting violent actions against the government.
Has any evidence been presented against her?
As of now, no documentary evidence has been presented against Maritza Lugo Fernández. The accusations are based on statements made by Cuban authorities on state television.
Will Maritza Lugo Fernández face a trial?
It remains unclear if Maritza Lugo Fernández will face a trial in absentia or if there are any formal actions to hold her accountable outside of Cuba.