Evangelical pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas was freed this Saturday after being detained for several days for intervening in the defense of his son, Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas, during a military trial on the Isle of Youth.
The news was confirmed by the Borjas Rojas family through an exclusive video sent to the Christian outlet LuzVisión Noticias, in which they express their gratitude to God and to all the people who prayed for their freedom.
“Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas is now free,” the family joyfully announced, expressing their gratitude for the support received both inside and outside of Cuba.
The pastor's wife, Roxana Rojas, also a pastor and member of the Assemblies of God Church, had been released hours after her detention due to chronic cardiac decompensation.
The Council of the Pentecostal Evangelical Church of Cuba issued a statement thanking "the entire Council of the Assemblies of God, every executive, pastor, congregation, and the people of Cuba in general, who once again raised their voices in defense of justice, compassion, and empathy towards a pastoral family."
The arrest of both pastors occurred on May 20, when they intervened in the court hearing against their son Kevin, who was accused of evading Mandatory Military Service (MMS).
During the trial, they presented official medical documentation that confirmed the young man's psychiatric and orthopedic conditions, validated by a medical commission, which declared him unfit for service.
Despite this, the young man was forcibly recruited, and after not receiving the appropriate medication in the military unit, he chose to flee, an action for which he now faces a prosecution request of up to four years in prison.
According to witnesses, the situation in the courtroom became tense when Pastor Borjas denounced an "injustice" and appealed to divine justice, prompting the prosecution to accuse him of contempt and disobedience, arguing that "the justice of God has no place in a military court."
Although the pastor has been released, he still faces a prosecution request for eight years in prison, along with his wife, due to their behavior in court. The trial against both is scheduled for next June 9.
Meanwhile, human rights organizations and Christian groups such as World Christian Solidarity have condemned the case, noting that it is a new episode of the criminalization of conscientious objection in Cuba.
The case has reignited the debate over the controversial Mandatory Military Service on the island, which is associated with numerous reports of abuse, medical negligence, suicides, and fatal accidents.
Since the entry into force of the new Military Penal Code in 2023, citizens who refuse to enlist may face sentences of up to five years in prison.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Cuban Pastors and Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
Why were pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas arrested in Cuba?
The pastors were arrested for intervening in the military trial of their son, Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas, who was accused of evading Mandatory Military Service. During the trial, they presented medical evidence that certified their son's medical incapacity to fulfill the service, which was dismissed by the court. The prosecution charged them with contempt and disobedience after claiming that an injustice was being committed against their son.
What legal consequences does Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas face after being released?
Although Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas has been released, he still faces a prosecutor's request for eight years in prison due to his conduct in the military court. His trial, along with that of his wife Roxana Rojas, is scheduled for June 9.
What is Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas's situation regarding Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas faces a prosecutor's request for up to four years in prison for evading Mandatory Military Service. Despite having medical documentation declaring him unfit for service, he was forcibly recruited, and after not receiving the proper medication, he decided to flee the military unit.
What impact does Mandatory Military Service have on young people and their families in Cuba?
The Mandatory Military Service in Cuba imposes serious emotional burdens and physical risks on the recruited youth. Cases of abuse, medical negligence, suicides, and fatal accidents have been linked to this system. Families also face pressure and sanctions if their children do not fulfill this obligation, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and suffering.
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