The mother of popular Cuban content creator Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, known online as Anna Bensi, attended a State Security-related interrogation on Wednesday at a police station in Alamar, Havana, after being summoned.
Anna Bensi herself announced on Facebook that her mother, Caridad Silvente (commonly known as Cary Silvente), entered the police station at precisely 2:02 p.m. to respond to the summons.
"ATTENTION, MY MOM HAS JUST ENTERED THE UNIT," the influencer posted on social media, confirming the commencement of the questioning.
Iván Daniel Calás Navarro, a photographer and Christian content creator, broke the news on the same social media platform, adding, "She is not alone. We are here now."
Summons Delivered by State Agents
The day before the interrogation, Benítez reported that State Security agents had visited her home to deliver the summons, an event that was recorded and later shared on her social media platforms.
Footage shared by the young influencer showed a plainclothes officer wearing sandals, accompanied by another unidentified man who remained turned away from the camera throughout the interaction.
During their exchange, the officer stated that the summons was issued by State Security and instructed Anna's mother to appear at the police station the following day at 2:00 p.m.
"I have nothing to do with this, but State Security is directing me to summon her for tomorrow at two in the afternoon," the officer can be heard saying as he hands over the document.
Questions Raised Over Summons Procedure
Silvente questioned the legality of the procedure, pointing out that current regulations require that summonses be served at least 72 hours in advance. Although she refused to sign the document, she confirmed her intention to comply and attend the meeting.
Benítez also highlighted several discrepancies in the document, such as:
- The mention of a "Captain Alberto" without a last name.
- A signature attributed to a "Captain Rafael."
- The absence of a reason for the summons in the designated section.
Additionally, she noted that the men who delivered the summons arrived on a motorcycle with an illegible license plate.
"I Will Not Be Silenced"
The influencer viewed the summons as an attempt to intimidate her due to her outspoken presence on social media, where she often discusses Cuba's economic difficulties, daily life, and the lack of freedoms.
"I know they're trying to find a justified way to get to me. I'm not afraid, they don't intimidate me, and I will not be silenced, because I'm simply exercising my right to express myself," she declared.
Mounting Pressure on Digital Creators
Anna Bensi, a 21-year-old from Havana, has gained recognition on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where her videos on Cuban realities have garnered widespread attention and have even been cited by international media.
The summons to her mother occurs amidst other recent reports of pressure on the families of young content creators critical of the Cuban regime.
Members of the digital project "Fuera de la Caja" recently reported that State Security agents intimidated the families of several members to warn them about their online activities.
"They want to imprison us and now they're using our families to threaten us," one young member of the project stated after sharing her father's account.
Activists believe these actions are part of a broader strategy to pressure a new generation of Cubans who use the internet to voice their discontent and critique the government.
Understanding State Security's Tactics in Cuba
What is the role of State Security in Cuba?
State Security in Cuba is primarily responsible for maintaining the government’s control and monitoring activities that are perceived as threats to the regime. They often employ tactics such as surveillance, intimidation, and interrogations.
Why are content creators targeted by the Cuban government?
Content creators are often targeted because they have the ability to reach large audiences and spread information that challenges the official government narrative. Their influence can encourage public discourse and dissent, which poses a threat to the regime's control.