Cuban influencer Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, better known as Anna Bensi, made headlines on social media this Thursday with her bold statements before entering the courtroom where she and her mother are being tried by the regime. "It's not fair, it's not fair, none of us are criminals," she declared.
Activist Alfredito Fominaya captured her remarks outside the People's Municipal Court of East Havana in Cojímar.
Speaking Out Against Injustice
Anna Bensi was unequivocal in her criticism of the judicial proceedings she and her mother, Caridad Silvente, are facing. "A phone is not a weapon," she stated emphatically, explaining that they are merely expressing their views through a screen. "We disagree with our country's political system and how internal matters are handled. They're wrong, and that's not a crime," she asserted.
When asked about the solution, she didn't hesitate: "Cuba must be free. It's about change. We need change."
In the days leading up to the trial, the young influencer had already made her stance clear, stating, "I won't be silenced," and pledging to record again the video that sparked the entire legal process.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to March 2026, when Anna Bensi and her mother filmed and shared on social media the visit of an Interior Ministry (MININT) officer, Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, who arrived at 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 Cuban Penal Code, which carries penalties of two to five years in prison.
Since March 25, both mother and daughter have been under house arrest with a travel ban. The case was initially dismissed by defense attorney Roberto Ortega Ortiz, who pointed out that the penal charge required a direct complaint; Rabaza Ramos filed it personally, prompting the case to be reopened.
According to singer La Diosa, authorities offered to drop the charges if Anna Bensi publicly retracted all her videos, an offer she refused. "They also asked her to retract all her videos to completely drop the trial," revealed La Diosa.
A Judge with a Controversial Past
The trial is presided over by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, criticized by activists for her role in the 11-J trials. She was reportedly part of the tribunal that sentenced 129 protesters to up to 30 years in prison for sedition in December 2021. The defense's attempt to have the trial annulled was unsuccessful.
Repressive Measures and Closed Courtroom
On the day of the trial, the regime deployed a massive operation to prevent activists and journalists from approaching the court. Christian activist David Espinosa Martínez, 38, was detained and allegedly taken to La Lisa to prevent his attendance. Members of the Fuera de la Caja collective were confined to their homes, while journalists like Yoani Sánchez and Camila Costa were under surveillance. The courtroom was filled, and public access was denied.
Activist Carolina Barrero, leader of Ciudadanía y Libertad, summed up the situation: "To accompany is not a crime. To inform is not a crime either."
Meanwhile, the National Revolutionary Police defended the proceedings on social media through the account "Blue Heroes in Cuba," arguing that "social networks are not a lawless territory" and that "it's not the act of recording that's being judged, but the unauthorized dissemination of the image."
Waves of Support from Across the Globe
The case has sparked a wave of solidarity, bringing together artists, influencers, and religious organizations in support of mother and daughter. La Diosa urged everyone to flood social media: "You, even if you have three followers, it's important to talk about this." The Western Baptist Convention of Cuba declared, "We cannot, do not want to, and will not leave them alone."
From the United States, Congressman Carlos Giménez demanded the unconditional release of Anna Bensi and her mother, while the organization Justicia 11J called the case "another instance of criminalizing critical expression in Cuba."
Key Questions about Anna Bensi's Case
What charges are Anna Bensi and her mother facing?
Anna Bensi and her mother have been charged with "acts against personal and family privacy" under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, which could result in two to five years in prison.
Why is Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado controversial?
Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado has been criticized for her involvement in the trials of the 11-J protesters, where severe sentences of up to 30 years for sedition were handed down to 129 individuals.
How has the international community responded to the case?
The case has received international attention, with support from artists, influencers, and religious groups, as well as demands from U.S. Congressman Carlos Giménez for the unconditional release of Anna Bensi and her mother.