Cuban influencer and comedian José Ernesto González Carnota has voiced his support for Anna Bensi, urging artists and content creators not to remain silent in the face of repression in Cuba.
"Back on July 11, many artists and influencers took a stand. Where are they now?" Carnota questioned in a video he shared on Facebook and Instagram on Saturday, following the trial of young activist Anna Bensi and her mother.
Carnota portrayed Bensi as "a 20-year-old Christian, a good person" and criticized her conviction alongside her mother, Caridad Silvente. The incident occurred after they filmed a plainclothes officer from the Ministry of the Interior who appeared at their home in casual attire.
The East Havana Municipal Court found both women guilty on October 1 for "acts against personal and family privacy," as stipulated in Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, sentencing them to two years of limited freedom.
The Double Standards on Image Use
Carnota further criticized what he perceives as the Cuban authorities' double standards regarding the use of images without consent.
"On Cuban television, many programs use images of artists and individuals without any consent. So, should we also prosecute those people?" he argued.
Based in Miami and boasting over a million Instagram followers, Carnota emphasized the importance of public figures continuing to shed light on the situation in Cuba.
"Cuba is in a deplorable state regarding electricity and living conditions, and we must keep bringing attention to what's happening," he asserted.
Encouraging Courageous Voices Within Cuba
He also addressed those inside Cuba who fear repercussions for speaking out publicly.
"If you're inside and afraid to post, at least share the news on a page. Social media is free, and the networks are free," he remarked.
He added, "I'm not asking you to be a hero or a José Martí, but at least show the world what's going on."
Carnota also recalled the case of Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, members of the independent audiovisual project El4tico. They were detained in Holguín in February 2026 and charged with "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit a crime," facing potential sentences of up to eight years in prison.
His statement joins the outpouring of solidarity from Cuban artists, including La Diosa, Diana Fuentes, Andy Vázquez, Kristoff Kriollo, Claudia Artiles, Claudia Valdés, and Haydée Milanés.
The case of Anna Bensi has also captured international attention, being reported by outlets such as DW and El País, and has drawn criticism from the U.S. government.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Repression
What charges were Anna Bensi and her mother convicted of?
Anna Bensi and her mother were found guilty of "acts against personal and family privacy" under Article 393 of the Cuban Penal Code, resulting in a two-year limitation of freedom.
Who is José Ernesto González Carnota?
José Ernesto González Carnota is a Cuban influencer and comedian based in Miami, known for his vocal stance against the repression in Cuba.
How has the international community responded to Anna Bensi's case?
Anna Bensi's case has been highlighted by international media such as DW and El País and has elicited criticism from the United States government.