The Popular Municipal Court of Habana del Este sentenced Anna Bensi —whose legal name is Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente— and her mother, Caridad Silvente Laffita, to two years of restricted freedom for recording and publishing on social media a video of a National Revolutionary Police officer who visited their home in Alamar.
According to the version released by the court, the events took place on March 10, 2026, when an officer went to the residence of both women to deliver a summons. The judicial account states that the officer identified himself and displayed his badge, at which point Caridad Silvente began recording his actions. The video captured details contained in the document, including her full name, identity number, photograph, and home address.
According to the court's version, Ana Sofía later posted the video on social media, where it generated thousands of comments and reactions. The judicial body claims that a significant part contained "offensive, derogatory, and threatening words against the official and his family" and argues that this caused them psychological harm.
The court found that the facts constituted the crime of "acts against personal and family privacy, one's own image and voice, the identity of others, and their data," as provided in Article 393, paragraphs 1, 3 d), and 4, of the Cuban Penal Code. It imposed a sanction of two years of limitation of freedom on each defendant, a non-custodial penalty that entails restrictions on movement, a prohibition on changing residence without judicial authorization, and an obligation to appear before the court when required.
The official statement claims that "during the trial, the guarantees established in the procedural criminal legislation were upheld, and both parties were represented by appointed lawyers, respecting their constitutional rights and due process at all times." However, access to the trial was extremely restricted, with reports indicating that only one witness was allowed to enter.
Before entering the courtroom, 21-year-old Anna Bensi arrived to the applause of supporters and was firm: “It’s not fair,” she declared, adding that “none of us are criminals.” She also stated, “We do not agree with the political system of our country” and called for “Cuba to be free.”
The process was presided over by Judge Zamira Marrero Morgado, noted by activists for her involvement in cases related to the trials of July 11, 2021. The case had initially been shelved but was reopened in July 2026 following a complaint filed by the agent listed as the complainant in the proceedings. Both remained under house arrest and prohibited from leaving the country since March 25, 2026.
The organization Cubalex defended the right to record public officials in the course of their duties and argued that Article 393 should not apply to the actions of state agents, warning that it is being used to criminalize citizen oversight.
The case drew international attention. The Cuban-American congress members Mario Díaz-Balart, María Elvira Salazar, and Carlos A. Giménez expressed their full support for the accused and demanded their unconditional release. The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a statement on the same day of the trial with the message "Thinking differently is not a crime."
Against the ruling issued, the parties have the right to file an appeal with the corresponding chamber of the Provincial People's Court of Havana, starting from the moment they receive written notification.
Related videos:
Filed under: