Alfredo González, father of the young Cuban Annier González who took his own life during Mandatory Military Service (SMO), was arrested this Monday in Matanzas, after he reported on social media an officer who, he has claimed for months, was directly responsible for the harassment and mistreatment that his son suffered prior to his death.
The information was confirmed by the professor and intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, who posted an update on Facebook stating that González was charged with the crime of "contempt."
He emphasized that he had been detained for over 30 hours at the Playa police station, and that his wife was present at the location and had not yet managed to hire a lawyer for his defense.
González publicly denounced, through his account on Facebook, that the "preparatory chief" —as he refers to the accused officer— was now accusing him of having threatened him.
“At this moment, the police came to my house because the little boss from the gathering who abused my son is accusing me of threatening him, saying I was going to kill him… What lengths these miserable people will go to. I’m going to the police,” he wrote before being arrested.
His son passed away in 2023 while serving in the military, in circumstances he has described as resulting from psychological and physical abuse.
Since then, González has become one of the most vocal activists against SMO in Cuba, and has bravely documented her grieving process, her denunciation, and her quest for justice.
He published letters, videos, and messages addressed to the authorities, and in February 2024, he swore on his son's grave that he would continue fighting until justice is served.
The case is set against a growing wave of skepticism towards military service from Cuban relatives and activists.
During the fire at the Supertanker Base in Matanzas in August 2022, it became known that several of the firefighters dispatched were recruits without professional training.
Something similar recently happened with the explosion in the town of Melones, Holguín, where young people lost their lives, reigniting the debate over the use of minors and non-voluntary youth in risky tasks.
González has been one of the visible figures of this informal movement, also expressing himself in the Facebook group “No more VICTIMS in military service in Cuba,” a space where many other families have reported deaths, accidents, and abuses that occurred within the military system.
Until his arrest, González's activism had been entirely peaceful and focused on legal and institutional avenues.
This is why the accusation of "contempt" and the circumstances of his arrest have raised concerns among Cubans both inside and outside the country, as well as among intellectuals and figures who have also been subjected to harassment by State Security.
"It is a great injustice that is being committed," wrote Alina Bárbara López, who has also been repressed and prosecuted for political reasons.
"Alfredo is a peaceful man. He has pursued his case through legal channels. Now he is accused of making death threats against a police officer. It's just another farce so that we do not report the tragedy being suffered in this country," she emphasized.
The detention of González adds to a long list of cases in which citizens who report sensitive issues—such as deaths in military units, institutional negligence, or police abuse—end up facing criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Military Service in Cuba
Why was Alfredo González arrested?
Alfredo González was arrested by the Cuban regime after denouncing a Mandatory Military Service (SMO) officer as responsible for the harassment and mistreatment his son suffered before his death. He was charged with "contempt" after making his allegations public on social media.
What consequences has Alfredo González's activism against the SMO in Cuba had?
Alfredo González's activism has been entirely peaceful and focused on legal avenues, but it has resulted in his detention and accusation of "disobedience". His case has raised concerns among Cubans both within the country and abroad, while also highlighting the repression faced by those who report abuses within the Cuban military system.
What problems have been reported recently in the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba?
Recently, cases of suicides, abuse, and medical negligence in the Mandatory Military Service in Cuba have been reported. These incidents have increased criticism and discontent towards the system, with numerous activists and family members pointing out the extreme conditions and mistreatment that young recruits endure.
How has the Cuban regime responded to criticisms regarding Mandatory Military Service?
The Cuban regime has tried to minimize criticism of Mandatory Military Service, often celebrating the recruitment of new conscripts and avoiding investigations into reported deaths and abuses. Authorities continue to promote a positive image of military service through state media, while ignoring the demands for justice and reforms from civil society.
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