The Cuban influencer and comedian José Ernesto González Carnota expressed his solidarity with Anna Bensi and issued a direct call to artists and content creators to not remain silent in the face of repression in Cuba.
"On July 11, many artists and influencers took a stand. Where are they now?" Carnota questioned in a video posted on Saturday on Facebook and Instagram, two days after the trial against the young activist and her mother.
Carnota described Bensi as "a 20-year-old girl, Christian, a good person" and questioned why she was sentenced alongside her mother, Caridad Silvente, after recording an agent from the Ministry of the Interior who came to their home dressed in plain clothes and flip-flops.
The People's Municipal Court of East Havana
Carnota also questioned what he considers a double standard by the Cuban authorities regarding the use of images without consent.
"On Cuban television, in many programs, they use images of artists and people without any consent. So, should we also prosecute those people?" he raised.
The comedian, based in Miami and with over a million followers on Instagram, insisted that public figures should continue to raise awareness about what is happening on the island.
"Cuba is in a deplorable situation regarding electricity, the conditions, and we cannot tire of shedding light on what is happening," he stated.
He also directed his message to those who remain in Cuba and fear possible retaliation for speaking out publicly.
"If you're inside and afraid to bring it up, say something, share the news on a page. Social networks are free, social media is free," he said.
And he added, "I don't want you to be a hero or a José Martí right now, but at least show the world what is happening."
Carnota also recalled the case of Kamil Zayas Pérez and Ernesto Ricardo Medina, members of the independent audiovisual project El4tico, detained in Holguín in February 2026 and charged with "propaganda against the constitutional order" and "incitement to commit a crime," offenses for which they could face sentences of up to eight years in prison.
His statement adds to the expressions of solidarity from Cuban artists, including La Diosa, Diana Fuentes, Andy Vázquez, Kristoff Kriollo, Claudia Artiles, Claudia Valdés, and Haydée Milanés.
The case of Anna Bensi also gained attention from international media such as DW and El País and sparked criticism from the United States government.
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