The trial of two Cuban pastors has been delayed indefinitely and without explanation after they referenced God in a military tribunal.
Pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas are a married couple affiliated with the Assemblies of God, a denomination with legal status in Cuba. On 19th May they were arrested, after Pastor Borjas mentioned “God’s justice” during a military tribunal, in which their son was accused of attempting to evade obligatory military service.
The couple were initially held for five days and released on bail on 24th May. They are now being closely surveilled by authorities. Pastor Rojas has been permitted to have her legal process and trial take place from home, due to a chronic health condition, after being hospitalised on the night of her detention. She was also forbidden from attending a religious conference in Cienfuegos earlier in June.
The couple have been charged with disrespecting and disobeying authorities, with the government prosecutor seeking an eight-year prison sentence. While the charges still stand, the trial, originally scheduled for 9th June, has been postponed indefinitely.
Their 19-year-old son, Kevin Laureido Rojas, is currently held at Guayao Maximum Security Prison, one of Cuba’s most secure facilities, located in Pinar del Río Province. Prior to his detention, Kevin - who has diagnosed physical and psychological conditions that should qualify him for a medical exemption - ran away after being taken by force to perform the military service required of all Cuban males at age 18.
Restrictions on his parents’ movement make it impossible for them to visit, even if they could find the means to travel from La Isla de la Juventud to Pinar del Río.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s Director of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, said: “The Cuban government’s decision to indefinitely postpone the trial of Pastors Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas effectively leaves an eight-year prison sentence hanging over their heads. This is sure to be used by the government to pressure them to keep quiet about the situation of their teenage son and will be held up as an example to other religious leaders who speak out against injustice.”
CSW is urging authorities to allow the trial to proceed “as a matter of urgency”, and “ensure that justice is served” by acquitting the couple of the “unjust charges”. The organisation is also calling on Cuban authorities to immediately free Kevin Laureido Rojas, based on medical advice.