Cuban young woman after police "interview": "Pure threats and trying to silence Anna Sofía through me"

Young Cuban Shiorocio SanzPhoto © Facebook / Shiorocio Sanz

The young Cuban Shiorocio Sanz reported that a supposed "interview" with the police resulted in threats and attempts to silence the activist Anna Bensi (Anna Sofía Benítez Silvente) through her.

In a video posted on social media, the young woman explained that she was summoned on March 10th to the Capri police unit under the pretext of an interview, but she insists that the encounter had an intimidating nature.

"I had not planned to make this video, but I feel compelled to do so due to unforeseen circumstances. It turns out that on March 10th, I was summoned to the Capri police unit, supposedly for a simple interview, which turned into nothing but threats, an attempt to silence Anna Sofía through me, and disrespect towards myself," she stated.

According to her testimony, after that first interrogation she was warned that she could be summoned again for not having "cooperated," although she claims she had nothing to declare. This episode occurs after the young woman had already been previously summoned by the police due to her posts on social media.

Subsequently, Anna Bensi's mother was also summoned, in a context described as one of repeated disrespect towards the three of them. These actions take place against a backdrop where the activist's family members have been subjected to interrogations and pressure in recent weeks.

The young woman also reported that the pressure extended beyond the police sphere. "On March 20, they had the audacity to come to my workplace, once with threats, trying to silence Anna Sofía and creating an uncomfortable situation for me in front of my colleagues," she recounted.

Sanz rejected the treatment she received and defended her behavior. "I am not a criminal to be going through that awkward moment," she expressed, while questioning why the authorities act this way amid the everyday problems of the country.

"They should start fixing the problems in the country: the garbage, the drugs, the water, the pothole-filled streets, and a myriad of other issues," he added.

In her message, she insisted that her stance is supported by rights recognized by Cuban legislation itself. “I am just a young Cuban exercising the rights of a constitution that you yourselves created,” she stated.

The post generated multiple reactions on social media. Among them, Anna Bensi herself commented: “I repeat: they are tightening the noose around their own necks.”

The case arises in a context of increasing pressure against the close environment of the activist, who recently warned that there is a “new generation that is not afraid” in the face of pressures and has denounced attempts to silence her through third parties.

In recent days, individuals connected to Bensi have reported similar actions, including police summons and warnings, which they describe as an attempt to curb their critical posts regarding the situation in Cuba.

The activist herself has reiterated her stance. “Yes, I am a dissident. Yes, I am against the Cuban dictatorship. And that is not a crime,” she stated.

The case also takes place in a context where young Cubans like Sanz have gained visibility on social media after publicly expressing criticism about the situation in the country and calling for change, appealing to their right to freedom of expression.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.