Evangelical pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas are facing a prosecutor's demand for an eight-year prison sentence on the Isle of Youth. Their alleged crime? Standing up for their son, Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas, during his military trial for allegedly dodging the Mandatory Military Service (SMO). Their own trial is slated for June 9. Currently, Luis Guillermo Borjas languishes in solitary confinement, while Roxana Rojas, after being briefly detained, was released due to a cardiac episode.
World Christian Solidarity has reported that Rojas faced harassment by an agent disguised as a nurse during her hospital stay.
Why Were the Cuban Pastors Arrested?
Their arrest coincided with their son Kevin's court appearance in Cuba, where he was accused of shirking military duty. Despite having psychiatric and orthopedic conditions certified by a medical board, Kevin was coerced into the SMO. Lacking access to necessary medication, he fled the military base, leading to a four-year prison request by prosecutors.
During the proceedings, the pastors provided medical documentation proving Kevin's exemption. The prosecution dismissed this evidence, prompting the pastors to decry the situation as “an injustice against men and God.” This outburst led the prosecutor to charge them with "contempt and disobedience."
Who Has Condemned This Act of Repression in Cuba?
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights and the Christian Alliance of Cuba have both condemned the case as a severe attack on religious and expressive freedom. The Assemblies of God in Cuba, the pastors’ affiliated denomination, also expressed concern, hoping the incident is merely a misunderstanding.
Despite Cuban authorities’ claims of respecting religious freedom, there have been over 990 documented incidents of violations in this area by 2024 alone. The government's tight grip through the Office of Religious Affairs and repression of independent churches highlight a restrictive stance against those practicing faith outside the state-sanctioned framework.
Cuban Religious Repression and Legal Proceedings
What charges are the Cuban pastors facing?
Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas are facing charges of "contempt and disobedience" after defending their son during his military trial.
Why is their son Kevin facing legal action?
Kevin Lay Laureido Rojas is facing legal action for allegedly evading the Mandatory Military Service, despite his medical conditions that should exempt him.
How has the international community responded to this case?
International organizations like the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights and the Christian Alliance of Cuba have denounced the case, highlighting it as an infringement on religious and expressive freedoms.