Eduardo "Eddy" Ceballos, the mind behind the satirical channel Despingovery Channel, has now reached 100 days in detention in Cuba without a trial date, as his family calls for the legal process to proceed with "guarantees, speed, and transparency."
"For Eddy Ceballos, who has now spent 100 days incarcerated, it has felt like an eternity. His days are filled with waiting, anxiety, uncertainty, and pain; devoid of freedom, work, and family," his mother, Marieta Pérez Alfaro, expressed in a Facebook post.
Ceballos was apprehended on June 1 during a police raid in the Diez de Octubre municipality, Havana. His family reported that the officers denied him entry to his home and did not allow him to inform his wife before being taken away.
His arrest followed the release of a video on May 24, where he explored an abandoned military site in Havana, showcasing old Soviet missiles, radars, and Cold War-era bunkers. The video garnered approximately 68,000 views before his detention.
Initially, authorities indicated he would face charges for "trespassing on military property." However, the legal advisory organization Cubalex pointed out that this charge does not exist in the current penal codes, labeling the situation as a "blatant violation of the principle of legality."
Later, the investigation shifted focus to the alleged crime of "revealing secrets concerning State Security," as outlined in Article 116 of the Penal Code. The case is being handled by the military court system.
Ongoing Legal Struggles and Allegations
Throughout these months, Ceballos' family has highlighted numerous hurdles and alleged irregularities in the proceedings.
In June, his mother claimed Ceballos had suffered physical abuse while in custody. Following this, relatives reported restrictions on visitation rights and a nocturnal transfer to an interrogation center.
In August, a request to alter his provisional detention was denied, and the family revealed that a new complaint had also been rejected.
From behind bars, Ceballos denied the accusations in a letter dated August 1: "I am an artist, not a spy."
Christian Rodríguez Riverón, a cameraman involved in the video's production, was also arrested by State Security and is being held at "El Reloj Club" in Boyeros, facing charges related to the same case.
Ceballos' wife, Daniela Escarra, has publicly denounced his imprisonment as politically motivated and spearheaded the "Free Eddy" campaign to demand his release.
"They are trying to make him an example to instill fear," she stated in July.
The Global Context and a Call for Justice
This case unfolds in a nation ranked 160th out of 180 in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, the second worst in the Americas.
With no trial date set after 100 days, Marieta Pérez Alfaro continues to demand justice for her son, emphasizing the human cost behind the legal proceedings.
"We are not statistics, figures, or cases; we are people who deserve respect, dignity, and justice," she concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eduardo Ceballos' Case
Why was Eduardo Ceballos arrested?
Eduardo Ceballos was arrested after posting a video exploring an abandoned military site in Havana, which allegedly led to charges related to State Security.
What has been the family's response to his detention?
Ceballos' family has criticized the detention as unjust and politically motivated, calling for transparency and justice in the legal process.
How has the international community responded to this case?
The case has drawn attention due to Cuba's poor ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, with calls for respecting human rights and legal processes.