Content creator Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, better known as Anna Bensi, summed up the message delivered by regime agents after nearly 12 hours detained at a National Revolutionary Police station in Alamar: "In the end, the interrogation can be boiled down to stay silent or create different content."
In an interview with Cubanet published on Saturday, July 5, Bensi recounted that on Friday, July 4, she entered the station at 10 a.m. alongside evangelical pastor Rolando Pérez Lora, known as "Pregonero de Cristo," and wasn't released until 9 p.m.
The actual interrogation lasted about an hour, led by two plainclothes agents who introduced themselves as "Ernesto" and "Paula." According to Bensi, the topics were predictable: the embargo, sanctions on Cuba, and what they referred to as the "interventionist Yankee government."
Following the initial questioning, she was returned to the main hall where she remained seated for hours. Around 8 p.m., she was taken to the "office" and coerced into signing a prophylactic document. An instructor directly threatened her: "You've incited in your videos, and if that incitement materializes, you're committing a crime, and we'll arrest you."
Bensi recorded her stance in writing on the document: "I, Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente, have never committed an incitement crime." When she requested a copy, it was denied.
The Unjust Detention's Real Motive
The activist, suffering from anemia, went the entire day without adequate nutrition. Her mother, Caridad Silvente, was barred from inquiring about her after several attempts. She only managed to pass along a soda, some cookies, and bread.
Bensi was unequivocal about the true reason for her detention: preventing her from attending the July 4 celebration at the residence of the U.S. Embassy's chargé d'affaires, Mike Hammer, where she had a special invitation to play the Cuban national anthem on the piano. "They let me go at 9 p.m., basically ensuring I wouldn't make it. It was a complete injustice," she declared.
During the event, Hammer publicly condemned the absence of several activists, naming Yoani Sánchez, Ana Sofía Benítez, and members of Fuera de la Caja, labeling the situation as "unacceptable."
The Aftermath and Community Support
Upon leaving the station, Bensi broke down in tears, met with applause from family, friends, and neighbors. Reflecting on that moment, she said, "It was a cry of helplessness, of anger. The whole time inside, I was on alert, and upon release, I felt my body finally relax."
Pérez Lora, who was also detained and interrogated that day, described the summons as "a trap, a kidnapping," revealing that he received an official warning that continued "public disorder and inciting others to crime" would result in his imprisonment.
Bensi's mother, Caridad Silvente, stated that the ordeal only strengthened her resolve: "I feel more empowered to continue. This proves they are a dictatorship, trying to silence and obscure reality."
As of March 25, 2026, Bensi and her mother have been under house arrest, accused under Article 393 of the Penal Code for recording and sharing a video showing a MININT agent delivering an irregular summons, a crime in Cuba punishable by two to five years in prison.
Insights into Anna Bensi’s Detention
Why was Anna Bensi detained by the Cuban government?
Anna Bensi was detained to prevent her from attending a July 4 event at the U.S. Embassy, where she was invited to perform. The authorities also aimed to intimidate her into altering her content.
How did Anna Bensi respond to the threats from the authorities?
Anna Bensi documented her stance in writing, asserting that she had never committed a crime of incitement, despite the authorities' threats and demands.
What was the reaction of Anna Bensi's community upon her release?
Upon her release, Anna Bensi was met with applause from her family, friends, and neighbors, expressing support and solidarity against the injustices she faced.