The Municipal People's Court of East Havana included a falsehood in its official statement to justify the conviction of Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente —known as Anna Bensi— and her mother Caridad Silvente. The court claimed the video recorded on March 10, 2026, disclosed the home address of a MININT officer who visited their house in Alamar. However, an analysis of the footage contradicts this assertion.
The ID visible in the recording belongs to sub-officer Yoel Leodán Rabaza Ramos (file 2164794) and only contains his name, file number, category, physical characteristics, and expiration date. No home address is listed in this document. A second ID shown in the video, belonging to Martín Rodríguez Rodríguez, First Colonel and Deputy Chief of the Directorate of Personnel and Staff of MININT, also lacks this information. Therefore, the tribunal's claim is a fabrication included in an official statement.
Unexpected Encounter at Home
The incident began when Rabaza Ramos, dressed in civilian clothes with a cap and sunglasses, arrived at the home of Anna and Caridad to deliver a summons from State Security. Caridad Silvente recorded the encounter from the start.
In the video, the agent admitted he was not acting on his own accord: "I have nothing to do with this, but Security is the one sending me to summon you for tomorrow at two in the afternoon."
Discrepancies in the Summons
The summons itself was filled with irregularities: delivered with less than 72 hours' notice, it referenced a "Captain Alberto" without a last name, while the signature belonged to a "Captain Rafael," and the space for the reason was left blank.
An officer from State Security accompanying Rabaza Ramos stayed with his back to the camera throughout the exchange and waited outside on an unmarked motorcycle.
Viral Video and Legal Repercussions
Caridad Silvente refused to sign the summons but appeared at the Alamar police station the next day. The video, shared on social media by Anna Bensi, reached over 1.7 million views on Facebook and became the basis for the criminal charges.
The case was initially dismissed but reopened in July 2026 after a complaint from Rabaza Ramos, who previously demanded a public video apology to, as Anna Bensi revealed, "restore his moral standing."
Restricted Access to Trial
The trial, presided over by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado—criticized by activists for her role in cases related to the July 11th protests—took place on October 1 with severely limited access.
Only one defense witness was permitted inside. Pastor Rolando Fidel Pérez Lora and activist David Espinosa Martínez were detained on their way to the courthouse.
Verdict and Response
The court found both women guilty, sentencing them to two years of restricted freedom for "acts against personal and family privacy," under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code.
The organization Cubalex had warned that this provision protects private life, not the official actions of a state official performing their duties.
Anna Bensi, 21, responded to the verdict with a statement that encapsulated her stance from the onset of the case: "I know they are seeking a justified way to get to me. I am not afraid, they do not intimidate me, and I will not be silenced because I am simply exercising my right to express myself."
Key Questions about Anna Bensi's Legal Case
What was the main evidence used against Anna Bensi and her mother?
The main evidence was a video recorded by Caridad Silvente, which was shared on social media and viewed over 1.7 million times. The court falsely claimed it disclosed the home address of a MININT officer.
Why was the trial considered controversial?
The trial was controversial due to the restricted access, the involvement of Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, and the detention of supporters on their way to the courthouse. Additionally, the charges were based on a questionable interpretation of privacy laws.