The Cuban Prosecutor's Office has turned down a request from the defense of Eddy Ceballos, the mind behind the satirical Despingovery Channel, to alter his current bail status. Ceballos has been held in provisional detention since June 1, facing allegations of espionage after filming an abandoned military site in Havana.
This decision was brought to light on Tuesday by Marieta Pérez Alfaro, Ceballos' mother, who raised concerns about her son's continued imprisonment. The family claims they have yet to see any evidence supporting this severe accusation.
"Today, the Prosecutor's Office responded to the defense lawyer’s proposal for a change in Eddy Ceballos' bail conditions, and, surprise! The answer is no," Pérez Alfaro posted on Facebook.
She argued that Ceballos should not be kept in provisional detention as he has no criminal record, poses no flight risk, is unlikely to tamper with evidence, and poses no danger to others.
Her main contention remains the basis of the charges: footage her son recorded inside a military site which the family insists was deserted, lacked surveillance, and was commonly used by local children as a playground.
"What military secret lies in an abandoned area, officially decommissioned since 2025, with no boundaries, signs, or guards, and frequented by neighborhood kids as a play area?" she questioned.
From Filming Ruins to Espionage Accusations
The incident began in late May when Ceballos released a video for Despingovery Channel showcasing an old military site in Havana.
The footage revealed remnants of Soviet military equipment, including 1960s missiles, radars, and Cold War-era bunkers, all within a visibly deteriorated facility.
Ceballos was detained on June 1. Initially, reports indicated he faced charges of "military property invasion." The human rights advisory group Cubalex challenged this charge, noting that such a crime does not exist in the Cuban Penal or Military Code.
The case soon escalated to a more severe accusation involving espionage or the "disclosure of state security secrets."
Article 116 of the Cuban Penal Code prescribes penalties for espionage-related activities that range from 10 to 30 years of imprisonment, life sentences, and even the death penalty, depending on the specifics of the offense and case circumstances.
Alongside Ceballos, Christian Rodríguez Riverón, a cameraman for Despingovery Channel who participated in the filming, remains detained. Rodríguez Riverón is held at El Reloj Club in Boyeros, Havana, facing similar charges.
"I'm an Artist, Not a Spy"
From behind bars, Ceballos has publicly denied the accusations. In early August, he sent a letter summarizing his stance with a simple statement: "I'm an artist, not a spy."
In late July, Cubalex denounced the process for "serious violations," highlighting that the family had not accessed evidence supporting the charges and that, after nearly two months, the case had not yet reached trial.
With Tuesday's decision, Ceballos remains in provisional detention. He has been in custody for over two and a half months, with no public trial date announced.
For his mother, the persistence of the bail conditions is incomprehensible, given the seriousness of the espionage charge and the lack of known evidence proving that Ceballos and Rodríguez acted as spies.
"I do not understand why the criminal case and bail conditions remain unchanged. If a man's suffering and a family's pain are unimportant legally, the act of charging Eddy Ceballos and Cristian Rodriguez with such a severe crime as espionage, without evidence to date, should be," Pérez Alfaro expressed.
The family vows to continue advocating for the release of both young men and exposing the alleged irregularities in the process.
"In the end, truth and justice will prevail. We will continue fighting for Eddy and Cristian's rights," the mother concluded.
Key Questions Regarding the Case of Eddy Ceballos
What are the charges against Eddy Ceballos?
Eddy Ceballos is facing allegations of espionage for filming an abandoned military site in Havana, which allegedly contained state security secrets.
Why is the family disputing the charges?
The family argues there is no evidence to support the severe charges and that the site was abandoned, lacking any military value or secrecy.
Who else is implicated in the case?
Christian Rodríguez Riverón, a cameraman for Despingovery Channel, is also detained and faces similar charges related to the same incident.