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Hundreds of Cuban Masons gathered on Saturday in front of the iconic Masonic Temple in Havana to demand the permanent removal of Mayker Filema Duarte as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Cuba.
According to the agency AP, the protesters accuse Filema of unjustly prolonging its mandate and attempting to cling to power, challenging democratic principles and the autonomy of the institution. Additionally, they requested that the Ministry of Justice withdraw its official recognition of Filema and call for elections in accordance with Masonic statutes.
“Our Masonic jurisdiction is currently experiencing a profound crisis,” stated Juan Alberto Kessell Linares during a press conference, who assumed the position of Grand Master by regulatory substitution and on behalf of the movement that does not recognize Filema.
Institutional crisis and accusations of "internal coup"
According to Kessell, Mayker Filema allegedly attempted to carry out a "Masonic coup," suspending necessary sessions to renew the leadership before the expiration of his term in March, in clear violation of Masonic legislation.
The High Chamber, composed of representatives, senior officials, and former grand masters, met on May 25th with a valid quorum of 117 lodge representatives to vote for their dismissal, noted Cubanet.
Moreover, 209 out of the 320 lodges in the country supported the decision, along with seven senior officials, which represents a significant majority within the institution, as reported by Secretary Víctor Bravo to the mentioned agency.
Limited intervention by the Ministry of Justice
In May, the dissidents formally requested that the Ministry of Justice withdraw the legal validity of Filema's signature. However, the Associations Directorate of MINJUS initially endorsed the controversial leader.
This week, a Masonic delegation was received by Deputy Minister Lilia María Hernández, who proposed as a solution a new session under the leadership of Filema for July 6.
The proposal was rejected by the protesters, and Hernández promised to review the case.
Kessell insisted that this governmental stance contradicts the sovereign and autonomous nature of the Grand Lodge, which is protected by both the Masonic Constitution (Article 50) and Cuban legislation that safeguards fraternal associations from external interference.
"The impact of this crisis on society is not positive, and that is why we are fighting... to restore the morals and principles that have guided our institution," he emphasized.
Statement of principles and massive support
During the gathering, the "Declaration of Principles" by the Very Respectable Grand Master was read publicly by regulatory substitution, reaffirming the irrevocable legitimacy of Filema's dismissal, in accordance with the internal statutes.
This is the second time in just over a year that the GLC is facing a reputation crisis. In 2024, the then Grand Master Mario Alberto Urquía was accused of corruption and the theft of 19,000 dollars, which caused a media scandal both within and outside the Masonic community.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis in the Grand Lodge of Cuba
Why are Cuban Freemasons demanding the removal of Mayker Filema Duarte?
Cuban Freemasons demand the dismissal of Mayker Filema Duarte because they accuse him of illegitimately extending his term as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Cuba, attempting to perpetuate his power and violating democratic principles and the autonomy of the institution. Filema suspended necessary sessions to renew the leadership before the expiration of his term, which was perceived as an attempt at a "Masonic coup."
What role does the Ministry of Justice play in the crisis of the Grand Lodge of Cuba?
The Ministry of Justice of Cuba has played a controversial role in the crisis of the Grand Lodge of Cuba. Although dissidents requested the Ministry's intervention to withdraw the legal validity of Filema's signature, the Ministry initially endorsed the disputed leader. However, a Masonic delegation was received by Deputy Minister Lilia María Hernández, who proposed a new session under Filema's leadership, which was rejected by the Masons.
How has the Masonic community reacted to the crisis in the Grand Lodge of Cuba?
The Masonic community has reacted firmly to the crisis in the Grand Lodge of Cuba. A total of 209 out of the 320 lodges in the country supported the dismissal of Mayker Filema Duarte and backed Juan Alberto Kessell Linares as Grand Master by regulatory substitution. The Freemasons have expressed their discontent with the government's intervention and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of sovereignty and autonomy of the institution.
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