The Western Baptist Convention Association of Cuba has openly declared its support for Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, also known as Anna Bensi, and her mother, Caridad Silvente, just hours before their trial scheduled for this Thursday in Cuba.
In a statement released on Tuesday via Facebook, the Board of Directors of this religious organization expressed their solidarity with the mother and daughter, both affiliated with a church under the Convention, and demanded respect for due process, freedom of expression, religious freedom, and their dignity.
"We cannot, we do not want to, and we will not leave them alone," the organization asserted, describing Anna Sofía and Caridad as honest women leading simple lives with strong Christian testimony.
Calls for Justice and Legal Integrity
The Board emphasized that "every human being possesses dignity granted by God" and argued that "the legitimate practice of truth and transparency should not be criminalized."
It also urged the authorities to act with justice and respect for legality and fundamental rights.
The statement further invited congregations associated with the Convention to pray and intercede for Anna Sofía and her mother and to support them during the judicial proceedings.
Concerns Over Religious Persecution
The organization also voiced concern for other believers who, according to their pronouncement, have faced harassment, summonses, or restrictions related to their faith or public statements.
While clarifying that it does not take on a political mission institutionally, the organization affirmed its duty to care for and accompany its members and those who, as they expressed, suffer "for the sake of justice."
In one of the more critical passages, the Board pointed to the broader situation in the country, asserting that in a Cuba plagued by shortages of food, medicine, water, and electricity, the potential imprisonment of the two women would be "the straw that breaks the camel's back."
A Call for Prayer and Vigilance
The communiqué assures that the Convention will remain vigilant of the trial's progress and expressed hope that the court will act in accordance with due process.
"We pray that this infamy will not be committed," the document concludes.
Anna Bensi later shared the statement and wrote: "May the truth prevail, amen." Her mother also responded to the declaration with a brief message: "Glory to God."
The support arrives as the trial set for October 1st looms, following a postponement of the initially scheduled hearing on September 17th.
Mother and daughter remain under house arrest and are prohibited from leaving the country.
Background of the Legal Battle
Both are accused of "acts against personal and family privacy" after recording and sharing on social media the visit of plainclothes agents to their home to deliver a State Security summons to Caridad Silvente.
The process began in March. Initially, the case was shelved after defense attorney Roberto Ortega Ortiz argued that the alleged crime required a direct complaint from the affected party.
In July, a MININT sub-officer, Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, filed such a complaint, and the case was reopened.
Bensi explained that the agent claims to have felt offended by the comments generated after the video was published and seeks a public apology from both. The complainant's lawyer has also requested two years of restricted freedom for each.
As the trial approaches, Bensi reaffirmed that she will not be silenced. In recent statements, she declared, "I will not stop speaking out" and defended that she would record and publish the video again that initiated the proceedings.
The content creator has maintained that documenting the actions of state agents is, for her, a form of protection. Independent organizations like Cubalex have also questioned the process and believe that using legal figures related to privacy to punish the recording of public officials could undermine freedom of expression.
Key Questions Surrounding Anna Bensi's Trial
What charges are Anna Bensi and her mother facing?
Anna Bensi and her mother are accused of "acts against personal and family privacy" after sharing a video of agents delivering a State Security summons.
Why is the Baptist Convention supporting Anna Bensi?
The Baptist Convention supports them due to their association with a church under the Convention and calls for respect for their rights and dignity during the trial.
What actions has the Baptist Convention taken?
They have issued a public statement, urged congregations to pray, and will stay vigilant of the trial's development, hoping for justice and due process.