Evangelical pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora, widely recognized on social media as the "Herald of Christ," was apprehended this Thursday by State Security and the National Revolutionary Police officers while on his way to the People's Municipal Court of East Havana in Cojímar. He intended to support Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente, known as Anna Bensi, and her mother during their court proceedings.
The arrest was caught on video and shared across social media platforms, showing multiple agents forcefully restraining the pastor, bringing him to the ground, handcuffing him, and subsequently placing him into a police vehicle.
"Am I being detained? Record this, they are arresting me. They must tell me why. What is the reason?" Pérez Lora inquired during his arrest.
Despite his persistent questioning, one of the agents only responded, "It will be clarified at the station."
Journalist Yoe Suárez, who shared the footage, condemned the detention as "unjustified" against "a man who was accompanying, as a faith leader, one of his flock."
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) identified Pérez Lora as a member of the Alliance of Christians of Cuba and demanded respect for the legal rights of Bensi and her mother, as well as an end to the retaliation against those attempting to support or report on the trial.
Authorities Suppress Support for Bensi Trial
The arrest occurred amidst a crackdown by Cuban authorities to prevent activists and other individuals from reaching the courthouse.
Christian activist David Espinosa Martínez, aged 38, was also detained while trying to attend the trial. The day before, he had predicted that he might be prevented from entering: "I know it's very likely I won't be able to get in. If God allows, I'll be outside, and I certainly won't be alone."
Members of the youth group "Fuera de la Caja Cuba" reported that State Security agents surrounded their homes, preventing them from leaving in the morning.
"To restrict our freedom of movement and stop us from witnessing Anna Bensi's trial, the repressive apparatus has stationed a patrol with several agents at the corner of each of our homes," they protested.
Carolina Barrero, leader of the Civic and Freedom movement, encapsulated the events with a simple statement: "Accompanying is not a crime. Reporting isn't either."
The Case Against Anna Bensi and Her Mother
The legal proceedings against Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, trace back to March 2026. The charges stemmed from them recording and sharing on social media the visit of a Ministry of the Interior (MININT) officer to their home in Alamar.
Authorities accused them of "acts against personal and family privacy" under Article 393 of the Penal Code. Since March 25, they have been under house arrest with a travel ban imposed on them.
Before entering the courthouse on Thursday, Bensi stated, "We are not criminals; may Cuba be free."
Pérez Lora had been detained previously. In March, he was arrested in Peñas Altas, Matanzas, and released after approximately three hours. In July, he was also detained alongside Bensi for nearly 12 hours at the Alamar police station.
Despite the heavy police presence, several individuals managed to gather outside the courthouse. Yoe Suárez expressed gratitude to those who braved the fear of repression to participate in what he described as "a solidarity assembly outside the court."
Understanding the Legal Challenges in Cuba
Why was Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora arrested?
Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora was arrested while attempting to support Anna Bensi and her mother at their trial. His arrest was part of a larger crackdown by Cuban authorities to prevent supporters from attending the trial.
What are the charges against Anna Bensi and her mother?
Anna Bensi and her mother are accused of "acts against personal and family privacy," based on their recording and sharing of a MININT officer's visit to their home on social media.
How have Cuban authorities responded to support for Bensi's trial?
Cuban authorities have implemented a crackdown to prevent activists and supporters from attending the trial, including detaining individuals and placing surveillance around the homes of activists.