Members of the Cuban youth initiative, Out of the Box, reported on Thursday that State Security agents and police officers are stationed outside their homes, preventing them from leaving in the lead-up to the trial of Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, also known as Anna Bensi, and her mother, Caridad Silvente.
The group stated in a post on their X account, "In an effort to restrict our freedom of movement and prevent us from attending Anna Bensi's trial, the repressive apparatus has stationed patrols with multiple officers at each of our street corners."
Approaching the officers, the young individuals were informed they were not allowed to leave their homes until after 11:00 AM.
"When we approached them, they informed us that we cannot leave our houses until after 11 in the morning," they revealed.
Broadening the Scope of Repression
Out of the Box further claimed that the restrictions were not limited to its four members. Since Wednesday, these measures have also reportedly impacted friends, journalists, and other associates.
In follow-up messages, the group asserted that the actions were driven by the authorities' fear of dissenting opinions, emphasizing that their members had committed no crime other than "thinking differently."
The group also reported that David Siloetano had allegedly been detained, urging the public to share information about the incident. While Out of the Box has highlighted this arrest, no official independent confirmation regarding the details, location, or reasons for the supposed detention has emerged.
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Questions About the Police Blockade on "Out of the Box" Members
What is the "Out of the Box" group?
"Out of the Box" is a Cuban youth group known for its critical stance against the government's policies and actions.
Why are the police blocking the group's members?
The police are preventing the group's members from leaving their homes to restrict their mobility and stop them from attending the trial of Anna Bensi and Caridad Silvente.
What actions has "Out of the Box" taken in response?
The group has publicly denounced the police actions on social media, calling for awareness and sharing details of the situation.