Frank Cuspinera Medina, a Cuban-American businessman and founder of the supermarket Diplomarket, popularly known as the "Cuban Costco," reported in a public letter that he has been a victim of psychological torture, judicial manipulation, and violations of his fundamental rights while remaining imprisoned in Cuba.
In the letter where Cuspinera announces a hunger strike, he also makes an urgent appeal to the international community, human rights organizations, and the United States Department of State to intervene against what he describes as "constant violations" by the Cuban authorities, as reported by the news portal 14 y Medio.
According to the businessman, his case was premeditated and directed by State Security (DSE) and other institutions, such as the Technical Investigation Directorate (DTI), with the complicity of even his own lawyer.
"I was denied the right to communicate and to legal defense from the very beginning," wrote the Cuban-American, who claims to have been arrested on June 20, 2024.
Starting from that date —according to unofficial reports— his business was intervened by regime forces, including auditors from the military conglomerate GAESA, who are said to have confiscated all his assets.
The businessman, who also serves as vice president of the firm Las Américas TCC Corporation in Florida, claims that it was all part of a scheme orchestrated by the regime to neutralize his rising prominence as a player in the private sector.
"I was developing a company with federal licenses in the U.S. that competed with state-owned companies. That was enough to make me a target of the repressive apparatus," he states.
Cuspinera also announces that he will begin a hunger strike on June 1, determined to reach "extreme consequences" if he is not allowed to defend himself legally and request bail. In his letter, he refers to himself as a "Cuban-American citizen, lawyer, and businessman" and associates his company Cuspinera SURL LVI, both in Havana and Florida, under the brand Diplomarket.
The supermarket, discreetly inaugurated at the end of 2022, made headlines after a publication by CNN correspondent Patrick Oppmann. Located in Berroa, on the outskirts of Havana, Diplomarket initially operated as an online store and has been under close scrutiny since its inception, as confirmed by the independent outlet 14ymedio.
Although Cuban authorities informally accuse him of tax evasion, currency trafficking, and money laundering, Cuspinera claims that these allegations are based on manipulated testimonies from employees, some of whom have already left the country. "They have fabricated a case without grounds to justify the expropriation of my business," he asserts.
The businessman’s complaint recalls other recent cases involving high-profile business and government officials who have fallen from grace within the regime, such as the former Minister of Economy Alejandro Gil, who was detained in March 2024.
With his letter, Cuspinera seeks to break the official silence and expose what he considers a systematic pattern of repression against those trying to promote the development of the private sector in Cuba. “I do not want to evade justice,” he concludes, “I only demand the right to defend myself.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Reporting Torture and Repression in Cuba
What allegations has Frank Cuspinera Medina made from prison?
Frank Cuspinera Medina has reported being a victim of psychological torture, judicial manipulation, and violation of his fundamental rights while in prison in Cuba. In his public letter, he also calls on the international community to intervene against what he describes as ongoing violations by the Cuban authorities.
Why was Frank Cuspinera Medina arrested?
Frank Cuspinera Medina was arrested on informal charges of tax evasion, currency trafficking, and money laundering. However, he claims that these accusations are based on manipulated testimonies and are part of a plan by the regime to neutralize his prominence in the private sector. According to Cuspinera, his business was intervened by regime forces and his assets were confiscated.
What actions has Frank Cuspinera taken in response to his situation in prison?
Frank Cuspinera has announced that he will begin a hunger strike on June 1 to demand the right to legal representation and to request bail. He is willing to face "extreme consequences" if his right to a fair defense is not guaranteed.
How does Frank Cuspinera's situation relate to the broader context of repression in Cuba?
The situation of Frank Cuspinera is part of a broader pattern of systematic repression in Cuba against those who attempt to promote the development of the private sector. Human rights organizations have reported numerous violations in Cuban prisons, including torture and arbitrary detentions, as part of a strategy by the regime to maintain control over civil society and entrepreneurs.
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