The Cuban influencer Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, popularly known as Anna Bensi, along with her mother Caridad (Cary) Silvente, were summoned to the Alamar police station in Havana this Monday. The questioning of the young YouTuber extended for over two hours, causing concern among family members and followers.
Messages were urgently shared on social media by those close to the family, seeking support and greater awareness of the situation.
"Our Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente has been under interrogation for more than two hours, and our anxiety is growing. If she's not released within an hour, I will go there with friends to demand her immediate freedom. Enough of this abuse," warned activist Lara Crofs, whose real name is Yamilka Lafita.
Another account from the police station indicated that they had been waiting nearly two hours for a signature, while the family waited without clear information about the detainees' status, according to Antony Martínez on Facebook.
The Facebook page Pregoneros de Cristo reported that Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente and her mother Cary Silvente were summoned amidst an escalating crackdown that has targeted several content creators in Cuba in recent weeks.
Escalating Threats and Legal Pressure
Anna Bensi's mother had previously faced threats of up to five years in prison by Cuban authorities as part of the ongoing pressure on the family, as noted by Havana Times.
The two women were charged under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, which led to their house arrest following a previous detention episode.
The repression against Anna Bensi extends beyond summonses and arrests.
Recently, Anna's WhatsApp account was permanently suspended, severing one of her main communication links with the outside world.
International Attention on the Case
U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer visited Anna Bensi and her mother, emphasizing that their only offense has been standing up for their beliefs and faith, a gesture that underscored international attention on the matter.
Direct threats have also been part of the pressure on the family. State Security agents told Anna's sister that Trump would invade Cuba and the first missile would target their home, interpreted as an intimidation tactic.
Wider Repression Against Content Creators
Anna Bensi's situation is part of a broader wave of repression against content creators.
David Espinosa and his wife Laidy García were also summoned by the Ministry of the Interior on Sunday, in a pattern suggesting systematic harassment of critical voices on the island.
This all occurs while Díaz-Canel claimed on NBC News' Meet the Press that there are no political prisoners in Cuba, a statement that starkly contrasts with documented cases of repression against activists and content creators.
Understanding the Cuban Repression Against Content Creators
Why was Anna Bensi interrogated by Cuban authorities?
Anna Bensi was interrogated as part of a broader crackdown on Cuban content creators who are critical of the government. This reflects the regime's attempt to suppress dissent and control public discourse.
What legal actions have been taken against Anna Bensi and her mother?
Both Anna Bensi and her mother were charged under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code and placed under house arrest after a previous detention, highlighting the legal pressure they face.
How has the international community responded to Anna Bensi's situation?
The international community, including U.S. diplomat Mike Hammer, has shown concern, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom of speech and beliefs, which has drawn global attention to her case.