Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, also known as Anna Bensi, recently shared a video on Facebook providing updates on the legal battle she and her mother, Caridad Silvente, are facing, while reaffirming her dedication to activism despite governmental oppression.
The 21-year-old activist revealed that the trial initially scheduled for September 17 had been postponed without a rescheduled date.
"A few days prior, my mother and I were informed that the trial was delayed due to 'personal issues' of the judge, and as of now, no new date has been set," she explained.
The Officer's Unusual Demand
Beyond the trial's delay, Bensi exposed an unusual demand made by the MININT officer involved in the case, Sub-officer Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos. "The officer wants my mother and me to create a public apology video, retracting our actions, and upload it to social media to restore his reputation," Bensi disclosed.
The officer's lawyer has even more severe demands. "They are seeking two years of restricted freedom for my mother and me," she added.
Background of the Case
The situation began in March when Rabaza Ramos appeared at their home to deliver a State Security summons. As a precaution, mother and daughter recorded and shared the encounter online.
Authorities subsequently charged them under Article 393 of the Penal Code for "acts against personal and family privacy," a crime punishable by two to five years in prison.
Since March 25, they have been under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country.
The case was initially dismissed in April, thanks to their attorney Roberto Ortega Ortiz, who argued that such a crime requires a direct complaint from the offended party. However, in July, the officer filed a direct complaint, reviving the case, and by August, the court confirmed that they would stand trial.
Bensi's Reflections on Activism
In her video, Bensi also reflected on the first anniversary of her digital activism. She was resolute about her experiences: "If I could turn back time, knowing all the repression I would face and everything I would lose, trust me, I would do it all over again. It has truly been a pleasure to express everything I've held in."
The activist also dismissed any political labels: "Anna Bensi is not a leader, nor does she aspire to be one. I'm not interested in politics professionally or in holding any public office, but I will continue to express myself because it's literally my right."
She described herself simply: "I am a 21-year-old Cuban Christian woman expressing herself. That is Anna Bensi."
She concluded her video with a reflection on the limitations and purpose of her activism: "Cuba cannot be liberated through a screen, but this is my way of not standing idly by in the face of what I live."
Key Questions on Anna Bensi's Legal Battle
What prompted the legal action against Anna Bensi and her mother?
The legal action began when Sub-officer Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos delivered a State Security summons to their home. They recorded and shared the incident online, which led to charges under Article 393 of the Penal Code for "acts against personal and family privacy."
What are the demands of the officer involved in the case?
The officer, Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, demands that Anna Bensi and her mother make a public apology video and post it online to restore his reputation. Additionally, his lawyer is seeking two years of restricted freedom for both women.
How has the legal process affected Anna Bensi and her mother?
Since March 25, Anna Bensi and her mother have been under house arrest and are prohibited from leaving the country. The case was initially dismissed but later reactivated when the officer filed a direct complaint.
What is Anna Bensi's stance on her activism and political involvement?
Anna Bensi is committed to her activism but rejects any political labels or aspirations. She emphasizes her right to express herself and defines herself as a Cuban Christian woman exercising her freedom of expression.