Cuban-American Lawmakers Stand Firm Behind Anna Bensi and Issue a Warning

In a recent statement from Florida, Cuban-American lawmakers Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos A. Giménez have vocally condemned the trial against Anna Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente, which took place at the Municipal People's Court of East Havana.

These Republican representatives have denounced the proceedings as an act of political repression and have demanded the unconditional release of both women.

Background of the Case

The controversy began in March 2026 when 21-year-old Havana influencer Anna Bensi and her mother recorded a visit from an Interior Ministry officer, Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos. The officer, dressed in civilian clothes, delivered a citation from State Security to their home in Alamar.

Authorities charged them under Article 393 of the Penal Code with "actions against personal and family privacy," offenses carrying potential prison sentences of two to five years. Since March 25, both mother and daughter have been under house arrest, barred from leaving the country.

Statements from the Lawmakers

Mario Díaz-Balart addressed the situation directly, referencing a social media post by Anna Bensi announcing the trial date. Díaz-Balart, representing Florida's 26th district, was unequivocal in his statement.

"The criminal regime in Havana must immediately end the political persecution of Anna Bensi and Caridad Silvente," he declared. "It is unacceptable for the Cuban dictatorship's thugs to try to silence her for exercising her freedom of expression. I warn those who continue to oppress the Cuban people: you will not go unpunished and will face serious consequences."

Previously, Díaz-Balart had shown solidarity with Bensi, calling her a "heroine" when her house arrest was first reported.

In her message, María Elvira Salazar, representative of the 27th district, described the trial as "a desperate act by a dying dictatorship trying to intimidate and silence the Cuban people." She stated emphatically, "They can persecute Cubans. They can threaten them. They can put them on trial. But they will NEVER silence their demand for FREEDOM. Anna and Caridad are not alone. The world is watching."

Back in March, Salazar had already criticized the regime's oppressive measures against the women following the video release.

Carlos A. Giménez, representing Florida's 28th district, joined in the condemnation by using the hashtag #SOSCuba to highlight the alleged crimes of the accused. "Their 'crime'? Recording a regime enforcer who came to their home with a State Security citation. From the U.S. Congress, we condemn these human rights violations and demand their unconditional release," he stated.

Trial Amidst Heavy Surveillance

The regime ensured heavy police presence around the court to prevent activists and journalists from entering. As Anna Bensi described upon arrival, "Since we woke up, there has been a police deployment throughout the area. Patrols, officers, dozens of plainclothes police."

Activist David Espinosa Martínez and evangelical pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora, known as "Pregonero de Cristo," were detained. Members of the group Fuera de la Caja Cuba were confined to their homes.

Presiding over the trial is Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, noted for her role in prosecuting July 11 protesters with sentences of up to 30 years.

Anna Bensi's Defiance

Before entering the courtroom, Anna Bensi spoke to those gathered outside: "It's not fair, it's not fair. None of us are criminals." She continued, "We're simply expressing our thoughts through a screen, which is not a weapon—it's a phone. We disagree with our country's political system, and that's not a crime."

Days earlier, Bensi's declaration, "I will not be silenced," had already made waves across social media.