Cuban actor and comedian Luis Silva, famously known for his character Pánfilo, responded on Thursday to the sentencing of content creator Anna Bensi and her mother. In a succinct Facebook post, he voiced a complaint that many Cubans feel unable to express openly.
Currently living in Miami with his family after leaving Cuba in December 2024, following the abrupt removal of his show Vivir del Cuento from Cuban television, Silva condemned the regime's censorship and repression.
"There's no food, no water, no electricity, no medicine. There's nothing... nothing... nothing. Crime is on the rise. But the focus of the leadership is on those who think differently," he emphasized.
The post included a photo of Bensi and was published hours after the East Havana Municipal People's Court found her and her mother, Caridad Silvente, guilty. Each received a two-year sentence limiting their freedom.
Details of the Controversial Case
The charge against them was "acts against personal and family privacy" for recording and sharing on social media the visit of a MININT agent to their home on March 10, 2026.
The agent, identified as Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos, was delivering a State Security summons. Bensi revealed that prior to filing a complaint, the officer had demanded a public apology video "to restore his reputation."
Initially closed, the case was reopened in July following a complaint by the agent. On March 25, both women were charged and placed under house arrest with travel restrictions.
Reactions and Support
The trial, overseen by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, known for her involvement in judging 11-J protesters, was also marked by a police operation. This included the arrest of evangelical pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora and Christian activist David Espinosa Martínez as they attempted to attend the trial.
Bensi arrived at court supported by Cuban artists and influencers such as La Diosa, Claudia Artiles, and Kristoff Kriollo, alongside the Western Cuba Baptist Convention. Before entering, she stated, "We are not criminals," and expressed doubts about receiving a fair trial.
Upon hearing the verdict, the content creator labeled the decision "an injustice," adding only, "God is in control."
Human rights organization Cubalex argued from the start that recording police actions is a legitimate exercise of citizens' rights, a stance the court ignored.
This isn't Silva's first public denouncement of the Cuban regime from exile. Last June, he lashed out at Cuban leadership with a direct message: "YOU HAVE BEEN THE REAL OBSTACLE TO CUBAN PROSPERITY!"
Cuban-American Congressman Carlos Giménez also publicly condemned the proceedings against Bensi, calling for the unconditional release of both women.
Understanding the Legal Battle of Anna Bensi
What were Anna Bensi and her mother charged with?
Anna Bensi and her mother were charged with "acts against personal and family privacy" for recording and sharing a police visit on social media.
How did Luis Silva respond to the sentencing?
Luis Silva expressed his criticism of the Cuban regime's focus on dissenters through a Facebook post, highlighting the country's lack of basic necessities.
What was the outcome of the trial?
Anna Bensi and her mother were sentenced to two years of freedom limitation by the East Havana Municipal People's Court.