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The former Cuban judge Melody González Pedraza, recently deported from the United States, was interrogated by State Security upon her arrival on the island, according to several sources confirmed to Diario de Cuba.
González Pedraza, who presided over the Municipal Court of Encrucijada (Villa Clara) before emigrating, was expelled from U.S. territory on September 25, four months after an immigration judge denied her political asylum application.
According to testimonies, upon landing on the Island, she was separated from the other deportees and taken to an office where she was interrogated by agents of the Ministry of the Interior. Regarding this matter, the regime in Havana has not made her repatriation public nor provided information about her current situation.
"An interview to help her"
According to a source close to the former official, the regime's officials justified the meeting as an attempt to "help her" and to inquire about her health, her immediate plans, and the origin of the statements she had made to Diario de Cuba during her detention in the U.S.
The conversation ended abruptly when González, who is hypertensive and diabetic, began to feel unwell. However, before concluding, the agents warned her that she would not hold any position in the Cuban judicial system again.
Rumors of a case against him
In Villa Clara, sources from the legal sector report that rumors are circulating about a possible criminal proceeding against the former judge, due to her public statements regarding the lack of judicial independence in Cuba. During an internal meeting of prosecutors at the Santa Clara Court, some officials hinted at this possibility, while others opposed any measures of retaliation.
A young prosecutor even warned that she would resign from her position if González Pedraza were prosecuted, according to one of the attendees. Most of those present, the source adds, believed that the former judge should be able to rebuild her life "in freedom and peace," as reported by the aforementioned media outlet, which has been closely following this story.
In limbo and under surveillance
Currently, González Pedraza and her husband, William Hernández Carrazana —who was also deported months ago— are living in a borrowed apartment in precarious conditions. Both have chosen to maintain a low profile and avoid contact with individuals outside their family circle.
Before emigrating, the former magistrate lived in a state-owned housing unit ("basic medium") assigned due to her position. Today, she remains under discreet surveillance and is unemployed, according to local sources.
From the courtroom to failed asylum
The former judge traveled to the United States on May 30, 2024 through the humanitarian parole program initiated by the Biden Administration. In subsequent interviews, she acknowledged having acted under duress from State Security when sentencing four young people for attempted offenses without sufficient evidence, a case for which she expressed regret.
However, U.S. authorities denied her political asylum upon verifying that she had been an active member of the Communist Party of Cuba until shortly before her departure from the country, which left her without any legal grounds to remain in U.S. territory.
A brother detained and a divided family
The brother of the former judge, Ruber González Pedraza, remains detained by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States, after being arrested on September 16. According to family members, he signed his voluntary self-deportation, which would allow him to attempt to immigrate again in ten years.
On the other hand, her sister and brother-in-law, having been officially deported, could face an entry ban of between ten and twenty years, or even permanently.
The case of Melody González Pedraza illustrates the contradictions and risks faced by former Cuban officials who break away from the system and seek refuge abroad: a return marked by isolation, fear, and the possibility of new reprisals.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Case of Former Cuban Judge Melody González
Why was Melody González deported from the United States?
Melody González was deported from the United States due to the denial of her political asylum application. U.S. authorities rejected her asylum claim, arguing that she had been an active official of the Communist Party of Cuba until shortly before her departure and due to her involvement in judicial proceedings that were questioned for lack of procedural guarantees.
What did Melody González face upon returning to Cuba?
Upon returning to Cuba, Melody González was interrogated by State Security. She is living in precarious conditions with her husband, under surveillance and without a job. Additionally, there are rumors of a possible legal case against her due to her criticisms of the Cuban judicial system.
What repercussions did Melody González's deportation have on the Cuban community in exile?
The deportation of Melody González was met with relief and satisfaction by the victims of repression in Cuba. Many in the Cuban exile community felt that justice was served, as her record as a judge was tied to political repression under the Cuban regime.
What potential legal consequences does Melody González face in Cuba?
Melody González could face charges for offenses such as "enemy propaganda" and "disobedience" in Cuba. She may also be accused of violating ethical standards and revealing official secrets, which would further complicate her situation on the island.
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