The Municipal People's Court of East Havana sentenced Anna Bensi—legally known as Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente—and her mother, Caridad Silvente Laffita, to two years of restricted freedom on Thursday. Their offense? Recording and sharing a video on social media of a National Revolutionary Police officer who visited their Alamar home.
According to the court's official statement, the events transpired on March 10, 2026, when the officer arrived to deliver a summons. Upon identifying himself and presenting his ID, Caridad Silvente began filming him, capturing his name, surname, ID number, photograph, and home address.
Ana Sofía later shared this video online, where it garnered thousands of comments. A significant portion of these remarks allegedly included "offensive, degrading, and threatening language against the officer and his family," resulting in psychological distress, as stated by the court.
Charges and Sentencing
The regime described the incident as a violation of "personal and family privacy, personal image and voice, identity of others, and their data," as outlined in Article 393 of Cuba's Penal Code. Each defendant was sentenced to two years of restricted freedom, a non-custodial sentence that imposes movement limitations, prohibits changing residence without judicial approval, and requires court appearances when summoned.
The official statement claimed that "the oral trial adhered to the procedural guarantees established by criminal law, with both parties represented by appointed attorneys, ensuring their constitutional rights and due process were respected." However, access to the trial was severely limited, with reports indicating that only one witness was permitted entry.
Public Reaction and Legal Challenges
Before entering the courthouse, 21-year-old Anna Bensi arrived amid applause from supporters, declaring, "This is not fair," and asserting that "none of us are criminals." She also expressed dissent against Cuba's political system and called for a "free Cuba."
The trial was overseen by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, noted by activists for her involvement in cases related to the July 11, 2021 protests. Initially shelved, the case was reopened in July 2026 following a complaint by the affected officer. Both women had been under house arrest and barred from leaving the country since March 25, 2026.
Human rights organization Cubalex defended the right to record public officials performing their duties, arguing that Article 393 should not apply to state agents' actions. They warned that it is being misused to criminalize citizen oversight.
International Attention and Support
The case drew international scrutiny. Cuban-American congress members Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos A. Giménez fully supported the defendants and demanded their unconditional release. On the day of the trial, the U.S. Embassy in Havana declared, "Thinking differently is not a crime."
Those affected by the ruling have the right to appeal to the appropriate chamber of the Havana Provincial People's Court from the moment they receive written notification.
Key Questions About the Havana Trial
What were Anna Bensi and her mother accused of in the Havana trial?
They were accused of filming and sharing a video of a National Revolutionary Police officer on social media, leading to charges under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code for violating personal and family privacy.
What were the consequences of the shared video?
The video generated thousands of comments, many of which were deemed offensive and threatening, causing psychological distress to the officer and his family according to the court.
How did international entities respond to the trial?
The trial received international attention, with support from Cuban-American congress members and a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Havana, emphasizing that differing opinions should not be criminalized.