Cuban activist and content creator Anna Bensi has spoken out against the state-run television program Con Filo, where host Michel E. Torres Corona labeled her as "the most visible face of the domestic counterrevolution" shortly after she was sentenced alongside her mother by a court.
In a Facebook video that quickly gained traction, Bensi highlighted how the regime's spokespersons are allowed to "use a person's image to attack and defame."
She questioned the lack of equal opportunity to respond: "Where is the space on national television to counter these narratives? Where is the microphone with the same official support to challenge and refute their defamations? Where is the true debate, uncensored and unfiltered?"
The 21-year-old sarcastically noted the limits of the official press, stating, "On national television, you have all the freedom in the world to say whatever the Communist Party permits."
She added that these media outlets dislike diverse opinions. "The dictatorship finds critical thinking threatening; they fear the truth because it could bring them down."
In last Thursday's episode of Con Filo, Torres Corona portrayed Bensi's conviction as the result of a standard legal process, not political persecution: "Although there are attempts to depict her as a political victim, she was actually sentenced following a private lawsuit for a common crime—an offense against the honor and privacy of a citizen, in this case, a police officer."
On October 1, the Municipal People's Court of East Havana sentenced Bensi and her mother, Caridad Silvente Laffita, to two years of restricted freedom under Article 393 of the Penal Code, which addresses offenses against "personal and family privacy, personal image and voice, identity of others, and their data."
The case centered around a video recorded last March of a MININT officer delivering a State Security summons to their home in Alamar. This footage became the cornerstone of the criminal charge.
While the sentence doesn't involve imprisonment, it does impose restrictions on movement, prohibits changing residence without judicial approval, and requires them to report to the court when summoned. Both are also barred from leaving the country since late March.
Understanding the Legal and Political Context in Cuba
What are the implications of Anna Bensi's sentence?
Anna Bensi's sentence includes restrictions on her movement, a ban on changing residence without court approval, and the necessity to appear before the court when required. Additionally, she is prohibited from leaving Cuba since March.
Why does Anna Bensi criticize Cuban state media?
Anna Bensi criticizes Cuban state media for its one-sided narratives and lack of opportunity for individuals to respond to attacks and defamations. She highlights the control the Communist Party exerts over media content.
What led to the criminal charge against Anna Bensi and her mother?
The criminal charge against Anna Bensi and her mother was based on a video recorded of a MININT officer delivering a summons to their home. This footage was used as evidence against them under Article 393 of the Penal Code.