Lester Domínguez, the teenager who was brutally attacked with a machete just over a year ago during a violent robbery for his phone in the town of San Germán, Holguín, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the trial against his attacker, according to a social media post by his father, Dennis Domínguez.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Dennis Domínguez voiced his fear that the accused might receive leniency from the court. "In prison, he has been working in the kitchen, and inmates and guards say he is related to Gámez, who is in charge of the Provisional. They claim he enjoys better privileges," Domínguez complained about the alleged favoritism shown to Adrián Grass Bermúdez, who is accused of severely injuring Lester in March 2023.
He further noted that, for the trial—concluded this Wednesday awaiting sentencing—Adrián was transported in a modern car while other inmates were transported in a police "cage" vehicle designated for such purposes.
Concerns About Corruption and Legal Flexibility
"How deep does corruption run in this country? They don't respect the people, and the laws remain flexible, allowing crime to flourish," he questioned, criticizing the disparity in how common criminals and political prisoners are treated. "If you throw a stone and protest in the streets for your rights, they won't hesitate to throw you in jail for 15 years," he added.
The prosecution is seeking 24 years of imprisonment for Grass Bermúdez—20 years for robbery with violence and intimidation, and four years for continuous theft of cell phones.
Dennis Domínguez explained that during the trial, he was asked only two questions: if he knew his son's assailant and if the assailant's family had offered any assistance. He recounted that his son had been dating the attacker's sister and that the attacker's family had helped them for three or four months following the incident.
However, he found the questions "incoherent" and regretted that there was no inquiry into Lester's current condition, who might never walk again and is currently experiencing a feverish condition.
Domínguez also criticized the lack of questions regarding the expenses the family has incurred during his son's recovery. He emphasized that Lester feels very disappointed with the Cuban government, "but not with the people who have supported him since the incident."
In a previous post earlier this week, Dennis Domínguez suggested that the oral hearing attempted to portray the attacker who committed suicide as the main perpetrator. However, he noted that Adrián was the one holding a machete after the attack on his son, and it was in his yard where the weapon and Lester's phone were found, along with bloodstains on his clothes.
Questions and Answers About the Trial and Corruption in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the trial of Lester Domínguez's attacker and the broader issue of corruption in Cuba.
What was the outcome of the trial against Adrián Grass Bermúdez?
The trial concluded with a request for 24 years of imprisonment: 20 years for robbery with violence and intimidation, and four years for continuous theft of cell phones. The final sentence is still pending.
Why is the case against Adrián Grass Bermúdez controversial?
The case is controversial due to allegations of favoritism and corruption, with reports that Grass Bermúdez, who is related to a prison official, enjoys better privileges and leniency.
How has the Cuban government responded to such incidents?
Critics argue that the Cuban government shows a flexible stance towards common criminals while harshly punishing political dissent, reflecting a systemic issue of corruption and legal inequity.