The first part of the trial against Alejandro Gil Fernández, Cuba's former Minister of Economy and Planning, has ended in complete secrecy. Only his son was allowed to attend, with no access for independent press or other family members. His family calls for a reduced sentence and highlights process irregularities.
Alejandro Gil Fernández, who served as Cuba's Minister of Economy and Planning from 2018 to 2024, faced the first phase of his espionage trial at the Military Court in Marianao, Havana. The three-day proceedings occurred without official press coverage or external observers, under the pretext of 'national security.' A large military and paramilitary operation surrounded the building, shutting down nearby streets and businesses, fueling doubts about the trial's transparency amid Cuba's recovery from Hurricane Melissa.
Gil's daughter, Laura María Gil, defended her father's innocence on social media and called for openness. His son, Alejandro Gil González, attended the court but has made no public statements. From Spain, the former minister's sister, María Victoria Gil, a former TV presenter and lawyer, expressed hope that the Prosecutor's Office would reduce the initial 30-year prison request, crediting the strong defense by Abel Sola López. 'I want the people of Cuba to know that my brother denied point by point every allegation related to the espionage charge,' she said on the podcast El mundo de Darwin, citing anonymous information from a hearing attendee. She insisted: 'My brother may have committed economic crimes, but Alejandro Gil is not a spy. This is nothing more than a political setup.'
María Victoria also highlighted Gil's precarious physical and mental condition after nearly two years at Guanajay prison in Artemisa, alleging psychological torture. A visiting relative reported he could barely stand and spoke incoherently. No photos from the trial were released, and an online image shows Gil bald and severely deteriorated, apparently manipulated.
A ruling is expected in the coming days, while a second trial for remaining charges, handled by the Attorney General's Office, may involve other individuals, though its publicity remains unclear. Concurrently, other ministers were dismissed: Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya and Manuel Santiago Sobrino Martínez. The case underscores the lack of oversight on the finances and activities of Cuban high-ranking officials.