This Thursday, the Cuban Ministry of Justice attempted to forcibly remove José Ramón Viñas Alonso, the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree. An official summons was delivered to his home, demanding that he appear on Friday to hand over his position to an "interim" leader appointed by the authorities. This was reported by Ángel Santiesteban Prats, the Grand Chancellor of the Supreme Council.
Miriam Marta García Meriño, the Director of Associations at the Ministry of Justice, personally delivered the summons to Viñas Alonso’s residence, instructing him to report to the ministry at 9:30 AM on Friday.
The government, according to the claims, intends to unilaterally replace him. Lázaro Faustino Cuesta Valdés is the candidate they wish to install. Masonic leaders have stated that Cuesta Valdés was removed from active membership upon turning 80 in February 2025, in accordance with the organization's internal rules, and was later expelled by the Rite's High Chamber.
Santiesteban Prats described the move as a "blow," stating that it violates international laws governing Supreme Councils worldwide. He emphasized, "This individual chosen by the regime has been handpicked, as is customary with the government, in a direct affront to the decisions of his fellow masons and in pursuit of personal ambitions."
Mason Sergio Rafael Vidal Aguila accused the Ministry of Justice of seeking to enforce Resolution 342/25, issued during Óscar Silvera Martínez’s tenure. The resolution was appealed to the Supreme People's Court, which upheld the administrative decision. Vidal further asserted that the authorities aim to strip Viñas Alonso of his rank as a preliminary step toward potential legal proceedings.
This offensive traces back to July 2021 when the Rite's High Chamber sent an open letter to Miguel Díaz-Canel, condemning his "combat order" during the historic protests of July 11. Since that time, Viñas Alonso has faced pressure, interrogations, and numerous attempts to remove him from office. Santiesteban summarized the situation by saying, "This 'final' blow has been brewing for five years, starting with the July 11 protests."
This isn’t the first attempt by the regime to control the institution. In May 2025, the Ministry of Justice tried to impose a new leader on the Supreme Council, a move that was rejected by the majority of the Scottish Rite masons.
In the following months, State Security interrogated Viñas Alonso and initiated criminal proceedings against him for alleged "currency trafficking," related to informal currency exchanges used to support the National Masonic Asylum.
Meanwhile, the pro-government site Razones de Cuba published an article on Thursday accusing Viñas Alonso and Santiesteban of leading a supposed "corruption network" within Cuban masonry, citing fund misappropriation and irregular currency operations without providing documentary evidence. The article concluded that Viñas Alonso's downfall is "not political but ethical."
Masonic leaders dismiss these accusations, noting that numerous Masonic bodies across the country have submitted documents to municipal and provincial registers expressing their opposition to the measure and offering unwavering support to the current Sovereign.
Santiesteban also called on Supreme Councils globally to highlight what he describes as a "blatant violation" of international fraternity norms.
In anticipation of the proceedings, the Grand Chancellor urged masons to gather at the Supreme Council headquarters on 27 de Noviembre Street — formerly Jovellar — in Central Havana, wearing their distinctive attire, from 9:00 AM on Friday.
In June 2026, Santiesteban himself faced charges and was placed under house arrest, a move he links directly to the regime's offensive against masonry.
"The Grand Masters and Sovereigns will never be chosen based on the regime's political preferences and benefits. They are selected to defend the rights of masons," Santiesteban wrote in a message directed at both Cuban members and the international Masonic community.
Key Questions on the Cuban Government's Attempt to Control Masonry
What actions did the Cuban Ministry of Justice take against José Ramón Viñas Alonso?
The Ministry issued an official summons demanding his appearance to hand over his position to an interim leader appointed by the authorities.
Who is the government's proposed candidate for the leadership?
The regime aims to install Lázaro Faustino Cuesta Valdés, a former member who was expelled according to the organization's rules.
How have Masonic leaders responded to these actions?
Masonic leaders have dismissed accusations against them and called for international attention to what they see as violations of international norms.