The Cuban influencer Anna Bensi (Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente) has revealed that she has paused her regular social media activities due to the pressure exerted by the country's authorities on her and her family.
In a message shared on her Instagram stories, Bensi detailed the reasons behind her digital absence following weeks of intense media focus due to her confrontation with the regime.
"I miss creating my usual content a LOT," she stated, referring to her humor and cover posts. However, she clarified that she is not currently in a position to resume these activities.
Bensi explained that her focus is on "the process my mom and I are going through," alluding to the situation with her mother, Caridad Silvente Laffita, who has also faced subpoenas, interrogations, and threats from state security.
Amidst this environment, she emphasized that her "conscience" wouldn't allow her to "upload a video as if everything were okay," highlighting the emotional toll the recent harassment has taken on her family.
Her statement comes shortly after she and her mother were charged under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, placed under house arrest, and restricted from traveling within the country or abroad.
Their legal troubles stemmed from a video posted on social media identifying an agent who delivered a subpoena to their home, which authorities deemed a privacy violation.
Legal analysts have pointed out the lack of legal validity and the arbitrary nature of the proceedings against Anna Bensi and her mother, citing discrepancies between the charges and the provisions of the Cuban Penal Code as well as international law standards.
Human rights organization Cubalex argued that recording the police during their public duties "is not a crime, it's a citizen's right."
Additionally, El Toque Jurídico clarified that "if the authority claims the act falls under Article 393, then the police had no jurisdiction to summon, interrogate, charge, or impose precautionary measures on the influencer's mother," as this would contradict Article 394 of the same law.
In recent weeks, Bensi has also reported pressure on her close circle, including threats to friends and subpoenas to family, as an attempt to curb her critical social media activity. Despite this, she affirmed her commitment to voicing her opinions against the Cuban political system.
In her latest message, she included a religious reference, stressing the importance of unity and freedom for the island: "When we say 'Cuba for Christ,' far from dividing, excluding, indoctrinating, or hating, our intention as Christians is to send a message of HOPE and LIBERATION to the Cuban people."
Legal and Social Implications of Anna Bensi's Situation
What charges have been brought against Anna Bensi and her mother?
Anna Bensi and her mother have been charged under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, which has resulted in house arrest and travel restrictions.
Why have legal analysts criticized the process against Anna Bensi?
Legal analysts have criticized the process due to the lack of legal validity and arbitrary nature of the charges, which conflict with both the Cuban Penal Code and international law standards.
How has Anna Bensi responded to the pressures from the authorities?
Despite the pressures, Anna Bensi has continued to express her critical views against the Cuban political system and has not stopped advocating for unity and freedom for her country.