On Thursday, the Cuban regime apprehended Christian activist David Espinosa Martínez and reportedly relocated him to La Lisa to prevent his attendance at the trial of influencer Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, also known as Anna Bensi, and her mother, Caridad Silvente. The trial was scheduled at the Popular Municipal Court of East Havana in Cojímar at 10:00 AM.
The incident was reported by Carolina Barrero, an activist and leader of Ciudadanía y Libertad, on her Facebook page. She highlighted that the repressive measures started the previous day, targeting independent journalists and civil groups as well.
Increased Police Presence Since Wednesday
From Wednesday onwards, regime agents surrounded members of the Fuera de la Caja group and independent journalists, including Camila Costa and Yoani Sánchez, aiming to stop them from attending the trial or reporting from inside the court.
Barrero was clear in her statement: "Religious leader David Espinosa has been detained and presumably taken to La Lisa to prevent him from attending the trial. Additionally, young members of Fuera de la Caja and a number of journalists and activists, such as Camila Costa and Yoani Sánchez, are being contained to stop them from attending the hearing or reporting what occurs there."
She concluded her post with a poignant remark about the situation's arbitrariness: "Accompanying is not a crime. Nor is informing."
Espinosa's Anticipation of His Detention
Espinosa Martínez, known online as @DavidSiloetano, had publicly expressed his intention to be present at the trial. On Wednesday, he posted on Facebook: "I know it's highly likely that I won't be able to enter. If God wills, I'll be out there, and I certainly won't be alone."
He also shared his mindset in facing any intimidation: "I will never respond to any provocation. No curse words will leave my lips, nor will there be any attempt at aggression. I will not repay evil with evil," he wrote on social media.
This is not the first time State Security has targeted him. In April, he was summoned along with his wife, Laidy García, during which agents tried to recruit him as an informant. He was called again in May under the guise of an "interview about possible illegality."
The Case Behind the Trial
The legal proceedings began in March 2026 when Anna Bensi and her mother recorded and shared a video of a MININT sub-officer, identified as Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, who visited their home in Alamar dressed in civilian clothes with a State Security summons.
Authorities accused them of "acts against personal and family privacy" under Article 393 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties of two to five years in prison. Since March 25, mother and daughter have been under house arrest and are not allowed to leave the country.
The trial is presided over by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, known for her involvement in the July 11 trials, particularly for being part of the judicial panel in one case against 129 protesters from December 2021, where sentences of up to 30 years for sedition were sought.
In the days leading up to the trial, Anna Bensi was resolute: "I will not be silenced." Authorities had offered to drop the charges in exchange for a public retraction of all her videos, an offer she refused.
Wave of Support
Singer La Diosa called for a social media campaign about the case: "They're asking for two years in prison for a woman who simply spoke her mind. It's more of the same that all Cubans know about the dictatorship." She also disclosed that "they asked her to retract all her videos to completely drop the trial."
The Western Baptist Convention of Cuba stood by the accused: "We cannot, do not want to, and will not leave them alone." U.S. Congressman Carlos Giménez demanded their unconditional release, while Justice 11J labeled the case as "another instance of criminalizing critical expression in Cuba." Cuban artists and influencers also joined in support in the hours leading up to the trial.
Despite being detained and unable to reach the court, Espinosa Martínez had left a message of faith: "I know the Lord will grant victory. I know Anna, Cary, and all my brothers and close friends will do what needs to be done in this dark moment."
Understanding the Legal and Social Implications in Cuba
What charges are Anna Bensi and her mother facing?
Anna Bensi and her mother are charged with "acts against personal and family privacy" under Article 393 of the Penal Code, which could lead to a prison sentence of two to five years.
Why was David Espinosa detained?
David Espinosa was detained to prevent him from attending the trial of Anna Bensi and her mother, as part of the Cuban regime's broader strategy to suppress dissent and limit independent reporting.
How have international and local communities responded to the trial?
The trial has sparked a wave of support from local and international communities, including artists, influencers, and political figures like U.S. Congressman Carlos Giménez, who have called for the unconditional release of Anna Bensi and her mother.