The Cuban activist Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, widely recognized online as Anna Bensi, reported that both she and her mother were abruptly disconnected from the internet for several hours. This occurred shortly after her mother was subjected to an interrogation by State Security forces.
Bensi shared on Facebook that they both regained internet access simultaneously after the period of disconnection. "We just got our connectivity back, my mom and I, at the same time. Thanks to everyone who reached out to us. God is in control," she wrote.
Earlier, Iván Daniel Calás Navarro, a photographer and Christian content creator, also took to Facebook to highlight their situation. “Cary Silvente and Anna Sofía have been completely cut off since yesterday,” Calás posted, including a text message he received that urged him to spread the word online about their predicament.
The message Calás cited read, “Please, if you can, share on social media that we have been totally cut off. We haven’t been able to connect at all since yesterday.”
Calás critiqued the lack of freedoms in Cuba, pointing out that, in a system devoid of power separation, both the police and communications are under the regime's control.
This incident follows the interrogation of the activist’s mother, who was summoned and questioned for two hours by State Security agents, amid threats and warnings against both women. In response, the YouTuber publicly condemned the actions against her mother, claiming the interrogation aimed to "intimidate, pressure," and "destabilize" them.
According to a Facebook post by Bensi, her mother was interrogated for two hours, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and was instructed to return with a lawyer within five days. However, Bensi remains defiant, declaring, "They will not silence me."
Understanding Internet Access Restrictions in Cuba
Why were Anna Bensi and her mother disconnected from the internet?
Anna Bensi and her mother were disconnected from the internet as a consequence of her mother’s interrogation by State Security forces in Cuba, a tactic often used to intimidate and control activists.
What actions did Iván Daniel Calás Navarro take regarding their disconnection?
Iván Daniel Calás Navarro raised awareness about the situation by posting on Facebook and sharing a text message urging others to spread the news on social media about the disconnection.