Just hours before her scheduled flight back to Miami, the Cuban State Security subjected Elmis Rivero Silvente, the sister of young activist Anna Bensi, to an interrogation and threats. They temporarily confiscated her passport and warned her that she wouldn’t be allowed to leave the island without first complying with their demands.
Rivero Silvente, an American citizen, was in Cuba for a brief four-day visit to see her mother, Caridad Silvente, and to consult with the lawyer handling her sister's legal matters. Anna Bensi and her mother have been under house arrest since March 25th.
Unexpected Summons and Interrogation
On the day of her departure, Rivero Silvente received a summons at 8:30 a.m., signed by Lieutenant Merlín Hernández Estévez, alleging it was for a "migration control interview" at the Playa municipality’s immigration unit. The document warned of penalties for non-compliance, including fines and forced escort.
Four military officers, including Major Joan and Lieutenant Arelis, conducted the interrogation. A third officer claimed to be the national head of immigration. Rivero Silvente was accompanied by her two young children, aged nine and three, but was forced to leave them with someone else to undergo questioning.
Threats and Accusations
During the interrogation, the officials issued threats regarding her sister’s and mother’s safety. "You haven’t seen the news? Trump is going to invade Cuba, and the first missile is going to hit your house. Remember, your sister and mother are alone here in Cuba, and no one will support them," they menaced.
They also accused her of orchestrating the visit of Mike Hammer, the head of the U.S. Embassy mission in Cuba, who had met with Anna Bensi and her mother on the same day.
The interrogators questioned Rivero Silvente about whether Mike Hammer was "encouraging the youth to take to the streets" and if there were any plots against the country.
Departure and Repression
After complying with the interrogation, Rivero Silvente managed to reach Terminal 3 of José Martí International Airport with her children and boarded American Airlines Flight 838, arriving in Miami at 4:12 p.m.
Upon her return to the U.S., she emphatically stated, "They didn’t want to let me leave. They held my passport and didn’t want to let me go."
She described the ongoing repression faced by her sister and mother: "They are very repressed. They have no connectivity whatsoever."
Rivero Silvente also detailed the constant surveillance: "There are 6 or 7 agents behind them all the time, playing loud reggaeton music, laughing, and making comments."
Context of Increased Repression
This situation is part of a broader crackdown against 21-year-old Anna Bensi. On March 10th, her mother recorded two MININT agents delivering an irregular summons at their home, which Anna later shared online, identifying the sub-officer Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos.
The regime classified Anna’s post as a criminal offense under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, punishable by two to five years in prison. On March 25th, Anna was formally charged and placed under house arrest with her mother.
The response on social media was swift: "The Castros are afraid of Anna Bensi, here's the evidence."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Situation in Cuba
What triggered the interrogation of Elmis Rivero Silvente?
The Cuban State Security summoned her under the pretext of a "migration control interview" hours before her flight to the U.S., due to her connection to her activist sister, Anna Bensi.
Why are Anna Bensi and her mother under house arrest?
Anna Bensi was charged after sharing a video identifying a sub-officer delivering an irregular summons, considered a criminal act by the Cuban authorities under their Penal Code.
How did the international community react to this incident?
The situation has drawn attention on social media, where users express concern and criticize the Cuban regime's actions against activists like Anna Bensi.