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Masons from all Cuban territories gathered in large numbers this Sunday at the Grand Lodge of Cuba, located in Havana, to demand the removal of the current Grand Master, Mayker Filema Duarte.
According to a video published by the independent Cubanet, the Freemasons showed up at the Lodge to request an extraordinary session and agree on the expulsion of Filema, who recently suspended the session of the Grand Masonic Chamber (the legislative power of the institution) in which elections for the high positions of the Lodge were to take place.
With that precedent, which, according to a report from Cubanet, extended his "dictatorship" and "the illegality within the Institution", the Freemasons decided to uphold justice.
A decree obtained by that media outlet showed that Filema Duarte claimed that the "conditions for resuming the suspended Session on March 23 were not guaranteed."
In the text, he justified suspending the meeting to prevent alleged "scandals that transcend public life" and "further damage the already tarnished image of our Institution."
Previously, he had warned about "personal threats" against him and announcements of "vandalistic behaviors with advertisements from independent media." He believed that these acts were "inappropriate" for Masons and aimed to discredit the institution.
Indignant, dozens of Cuban internet users commented on social media that the Cuban regime had infiltrated the Grand Lodge of Cuba.
"La masonería en Cuba está infiltrated by the dictatorship," said one person. Another nodded in agreement: "Sadly, the Grand Lodge of Cuba is another independent institution infiltrated by the communist dictatorship."
Filema Duarte was elected as Grand Master following the resignation of Mario Urquía Carreño, amidst a case of corruption and the diversion of thousands of dollars and over 4 million pesos from the Lodge.
However, although the High Chamber established a six-month period for the position of Filema until the general elections were held, the Grand Master suspended the scheduled session.
Cubanet revealed that the masons submitted documents and evidence to the Ministry of Justice to demonstrate the illegality committed by Filema Duarte by refusing to hold elections.
However, Miriam García, director of Associations at MINJUS, did not respond to the complaint and supported the process of Filema Duarte.
Frequently Asked Questions about the crisis in the Grand Lodge of Cuba
Why do the Freemasons of Cuba demand the dismissal of Grand Master Mayker Filema Duarte?
The Masons of Cuba demand the dismissal of Mayker Filema Duarte for suspending the session of the Grand Masonic Lodge, where elections for the key positions of the Lodge were to be held, thus extending his term illegally and obstructing a fair electoral process within the institution.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to the complaints from Freemasons?
The Cuban regime, through the Ministry of Justice, has not addressed the complaints from the Freemasons regarding the illegality committed by Mayker Filema Duarte. Miriam García, director of Associations at MINJUS, supported Filema Duarte's process, dismissing the evidence presented by the Freemasons.
What implications does the regime's infiltration into the Grand Lodge of Cuba have?
The regime's infiltration of the Grand Lodge of Cuba represents yet another attempt by the Cuban government to control independent institutions that could challenge its authority. This situation has created distrust among the Masons and has been perceived by many as a reflection of repression and the lack of independence in organizations within Cuba.
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