The Cuban Masonic Supreme Court has permanently expelled eight members of the Order for actions including "betrayal of the Brotherhood and its Institutions," abuse, fraud, misappropriation of funds, and what the verdict describes as an internal coup.
According to CubaNet, a Special Circular No. 15 from the Grand Secretariat, issued on June 5, confirmed the expulsion of these eight individuals. The crisis began in January 2024 with the reported theft of $19,000 from the office of then Grand Master Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño at the Grand Lodge of Cuba (GLC).
A subsequent audit uncovered that Urquía Carreño and former Grand Treasurer Airam Cervera Reigosa had embezzled nearly 5 million pesos from the institution through fraudulent schemes, manipulating accounts, and falsifying invoices.
Both Urquía Carreño and Cervera Reigosa are among those expelled, having been found guilty of "abuse, fraud, and embezzlement of Masonic property or funds." Urquía Carreño stepped down as Grand Master in August 2024 following the scandal and widespread disapproval from the Masonic community.
The Aftermath of Leadership Struggles
Mayker Filema Duarte, who succeeded Urquía Carreño, failed to resolve the ongoing crisis. He refused to hold general elections, instead choosing to consolidate his power and crack down on dissenters, including Sovereign Grand Commander José Ramón Viñas Alonso and writer/former political prisoner Ángel Santiesteban Prats.
Both Urquía Carreño and Filema Duarte were reportedly supported by the Cuban Ministry of Justice during the turmoil.
Protests and the Fight for Masonic Democracy
Filema Duarte's leadership led to massive protests in July 2025. Dozens of Masons stormed the GLC headquarters at Belascoaín and Carlos III streets in Havana, chanting the Bayamo Anthem and shouting "Long live Cuban Masonry!" and "Long live Cuba!"
The court ruling describes these events as a "coup attempt that undermined electoral democracy" within Masonry but acknowledges the legitimacy of those seeking to restore constitutional order.
More Expulsions and Their Implications
Among those expelled is Rancell Montero Romero, former president of the Masonic Supreme Court, who suspended over a hundred lodges and numerous Masons, and orchestrated the expulsion of Viñas Alonso and Santiesteban Prats in early 2025.
Montero Romero faces charges including "perjury, malicious removal or destruction of documents, severe misconduct in a Masonic role, and malicious infractions accompanied by gross negligence and potential harm." He is also vice president of the Yoruba Association of Cuba.
The list of those sanctioned also includes Jesús Martínez Frómeta, who allegedly threw alcohol in the faces of several peers during the July 2025 altercations; Igor Larramendi Ador, former president of the Jurisprudence and General Affairs Commission; Juan Carlos Yero Ramos, former Grand Treasurer; and Juliannis Galano Gómez, former Grand Secretary.
The verdict states these individuals led the Grand Lodge into "unprecedented chaos."
Future of Masonic Governance
The appeals made by all the accused were dismissed as "unfounded." The judgment emphasizes the need to "eradicate any semblance of dictatorial stance or support for such within our symbolic Masonry, as it poses an existential threat to the fraternity."
Mason Sergio Alfonso Vidal declared that the decision "is not only an act of justice but of restoration," condemning the expelled members as part of a "cabal of ambition and service to outdated men under the shadow of political power that used them to persecute fellow Masons."
The formal ratification of these expulsions will await the Semiannual Session of the High Chamber of the Grand Lodge of Cuba, scheduled for September 2026. Until then, the eight implicated remain barred from any Masonic rights, including attending lodge sessions.
Key Questions on the Cuban Masonic Crisis
What were the main reasons for the expulsion of the Masonic members in Cuba?
The main reasons included betrayal of the Brotherhood, abuse, fraud, misappropriation of funds, and involvement in an internal coup.
Who supported the leadership during the Masonic crisis?
The Cuban Ministry of Justice reportedly supported Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño and Mayker Filema Duarte during the crisis.
What actions were taken during the protests in July 2025?
During the protests, Masons forced their way into the GLC headquarters, chanting nationalist slogans and calling for the restoration of Masonic democracy.