Former Cuban Economy Minister Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
HAVANA — Cuba’s highest judicial authority has announced the sentencing of Alejandro Gil Fernández, a former economy minister, to life imprisonment on charges of espionage. This marks a significant legal action against a former government official in recent Cuban history.
The Supreme Popular Tribunal revealed that Gil Fernández, who served as economy minister from 2018 until 2024 and also held the position of deputy prime minister from 2019, received an additional 20-year sentence in a separate trial. These charges include bribery, document forgery, and tax evasion.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who worked closely with Gil until his dismissal, had previously noted that Gil had committed “serious mistakes” and affirmed a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, although he did not elaborate on the specifics.
Details regarding the espionage activities or the entity for which Gil allegedly spied have not been disclosed by the court. Attempts to reach the former minister or a legal representative for comment were unsuccessful.
This case is notable as the most significant involving a fallen official since 2009, when former Vice President Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque were removed from office due to leaked sensitive information, although they were not prosecuted.
Gil Fernández was instrumental in the 2021 economic reforms aimed at unifying Cuba’s currency system, during a period of economic challenges and product shortages that led to spiraling inflation. The court accused him of exploiting his official powers for personal benefit, alleging he accepted money from foreign enterprises and offered bribes to other officials.
For more details on the Cuban leader’s comments regarding Gil’s mistakes, visit the Associated Press article.
