The State Security in Cuba has launched a media and judicial offensive against the Masonic leader José Ramón Viñas Alonso, a troublesome figure for the regime since he publicly condemned the repression against the protests of July 11 in July 2021.
In recent days, an anonymous and unsigned text began circulating on social media and pro-government pages, such as Razones de Cuba, portraying Viñas as a "false leader" embroiled in an alleged Masonic corruption network.
The document accuses him of embezzling funds intended for the National Masonic Asylum, maintaining ties with "irregular" foreign lodges, and politicizing the fraternity.
For their defenders, these accusations are part of a defamation strategy orchestrated by the political police. Viñas, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, has been an outspoken opponent of state interference in Freemasonry.
In 2021, he signed a letter on behalf of the brotherhood that held Miguel Díaz-Canel directly responsible for inciting violence against the people. Since then, he has been interrogated, monitored, and subjected to questionable internal processes due to their irregular nature.
His critical stance not only included a condemnation of the repression on July 11th but also a rejection of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which, according to Masons interviewed by independent media, made him a priority target for State Security.
Repression and legal proceedings
In May of this year, the Ministry of Justice dismissed Viñas and appointed Lázaro Cuesta Valdés as his replacement, a veteran Mason known for his closeness to the regime. The decision was accompanied by threats to freeze the fraternity's funds if the ruling was not adhered to.
In early August, Viñas was once again summoned and interrogated by State Security and faces an accusation of "currency trafficking".
The accusation is based on two internal transfers of 100 dollars among Freemasons to cover asylum expenses, at a rate of 370 pesos, instead of the official rate of 120. For his brothers, the case is nothing more than a pretext to remove him from leadership and criminalize him.
"We call for international solidarity against the brazen murder being committed against Freemasonry in Cuba," denounced writer Ángel Santiesteban-Prats, who is also a Mason and critic of the regime, stating that he is besieged by patrols to prevent him from attending to support Viñas at one of his summons.
War for Masonic Autonomy
Cuban Freemasonry is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, characterized by dismissals, expulsions, and the imposition of leaders aligned with the government. Despite the threats, many members insist on defending the institution's autonomy, even holding sessions in the street in front of the statue of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes under police surveillance.
For them, the campaign against Viñas Alonso is not an isolated case, but a clear message: any independent organization that challenges those in power risks being infiltrated, divided, and discredited.
“If the government wants to dominate us, we will not allow it,” warned the elected Grand Master, Juan Alberto Kessell Linares.
In the midst of this battle, Viñas has chosen public silence, staying true to the idea that matters of the fraternity should be resolved within the order. However, the offensive against him makes it clear that, in Cuba, even Masonry is not free from political control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis of Freemasonry in Cuba and the Campaign Against José Ramón Viñas Alonso
Why is José Ramón Viñas Alonso being accused by the Cuban regime?
José Ramón Viñas Alonso is being accused of "currency trafficking" due to an internal currency exchange conducted within the Freemasonry to cover the expenses of a nursing home, at an unofficial rate. However, many believe that these accusations are part of a discrediting campaign orchestrated by the regime due to his critical stance against the Cuban government.
What motivated the Cuban government's offensive against Freemasonry and its leaders?
The Cuban government's offensive against Freemasonry and its leaders, such as José Ramón Viñas Alonso, is due to their outspoken opposition to state interference in the Masonic fraternity and their criticism of the regime. Viñas has publicly condemned the repression of the protests on July 11 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has made him a top target for State Security.
How has the Masonic community in Cuba responded to the regime's intervention?
The Masonic community in Cuba has responded with unity and resilience, rejecting the regime's intervention and defending its autonomy. They have held sessions in the streets and expelled leaders imposed by the government, such as Mayker Filema Duarte. They continue to demand legality and respect for their internal processes.
What measures has the Cuban regime taken against Freemasonry?
The Cuban regime has taken various measures against Freemasonry, including the dismissal of legitimate leaders and the imposition of government-aligned leaders, such as Lázaro Cuesta Valdés. It has also threatened to freeze the fraternity's funds if these impositions are not accepted, and has conducted legal proceedings against its leaders.
What is the current situation of Freemasonry in Cuba?
Masonry in Cuba is facing one of its greatest institutional crises due to the regime's interference in its internal affairs and the persecution of its leaders. Despite threats and repression, the Masonic community continues to defend its autonomy and principles, carrying out activities even under police surveillance.
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