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The Chamber of Crimes against State Security of the Provincial Tribunal of Villa Clara has sentenced Alexander Mario Fábregas Milanez to seven years in prison for the alleged crime of propaganda against the constitutional order, according to a report by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
Fábregas Milanez, a 35-year-old Cuban youth, was tried and sentenced in a process that has been criticized by human rights organizations as a case of political repression.
The sentence was issued on March 17, 2025, in Santa Clara, by judges Grisel Santos Suárez (reporting judge), Noraimys Blanco Echarte, and Gerardo Risquet Carmenate. The process was framed within Case number 11 of 2024, as part of an ordinary procedure.
The news agency EFE also reported on the ruling, highlighting the international concern regarding the human rights situation in Cuba and the need for attention from the international community.
Its coverage highlights the growing repression of the regime against dissent and the use of the judicial system to silence critical voices.
The document highlights that the convicted individual made several live broadcasts on Facebook urging people to take to the streets to protest, and calling for support for the "political prisoners."
They also detail that the posts received between 30 and 22 reactions, between 50 and 383 comments, and were shared between 19 and 167 times, in addition to being amplified by three Youtube channels. Compared to the 10 million inhabitants that Cuba has, the impact of their posts was low, which makes the sentence from the Villa Clara court even more exaggerated.
According to information from EFE, the court found it proven that the convicted individual made these publications "with the intention of inciting people to undermine social stability and the socialist state proclaimed by the Constitution of the republic."
According to the sentencing document, Fábregas Milanez is originally from Santa Clara and resides at an address located between Tercera and Cuarto, in the Los Sirios Nuevos neighborhood.
At the time of his arrest, they note, that he was unemployed and has an unspecified level of education. During the trial, he was represented by a defense attorney, apparently provided by the Cuban judicial system.
Fábregas had previously been sentenced to nine months in prison for a "public disorder" offense following the protests of July 11, 2021.
International organizations have condemned the ruling as part of the increasing criminalization of freedom of expression on the Island, which in recent years has led to the imprisonment of numerous citizens for peacefully protesting or expressing opinions contrary to the regime.
Meanwhile, in an auditorium with the left-wing participants attending the Patria Colloquium, the Cuban leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed support for the protests in Argentina against President Javier Milei's policies, highlighting a notable contradiction in his stance towards popular demonstrations.
The regime has implemented "gag laws" that penalize social media posts deemed contrary to its guidelines, allowing for the confiscation of property and prison sentences for offenders.
The discrepancy between supporting protests in other countries while repressing internal dissent reflects an inconsistency in the Cuban government's policy regarding freedom of expression and the right to protest. While solidarity is shown with movements abroad, within the island, those exercising their right to peacefully assemble are criminalized and punished.
Frequently asked questions about the conviction of Alexander Mario Fábregas Milanez and the repression in Cuba
Why was Alexander Mario Fábregas Milanez sentenced to 7 years in prison?
Alexander Mario Fábregas Milanez was sentenced to 7 years in prison for the alleged crime of propaganda against the constitutional order, after making posts on Facebook advocating for protests against the Cuban regime and supporting political prisoners. This ruling has been criticized by human rights organizations as a case of political repression.
What evidence was presented against Alexander Mario Fábregas Milanez?
The court found it proven that Fábregas Milanez made posts on Facebook with the intention of encouraging people to undermine social stability and the socialist state. The posts had a low impact, with limited reactions, comments, and shares, which makes the 7-year sentence seem disproportionate.
How has the international community reacted to the repression in Cuba?
The international community has expressed concern over the repression in Cuba, with calls from political figures and human rights organizations for an end to arbitrary detentions. The sentences imposed on activists like Fábregas Milanez reflect a growing criminalization of freedom of expression on the Island.
What contradictions can be seen in the Cuban government’s stance on protests?
The Cuban government has displayed a significant contradiction by supporting protests in other countries while repressing internal dissent. Miguel Díaz-Canel has supported demonstrations in Argentina while in Cuba, those who peacefully protest are criminalized and punished, highlighting an incoherent policy regarding freedom of expression.
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