The Cuban regime has requested a 10-year prison sentence for young influencer Sulmira Martínez Pérez, known on social media as Salem, who was jailed in January 2023 for her Facebook posts. According to the Prosecutor's Office petition, accessed by Martí Noticias, the 22-year-old is accused of inciting Cubans to protest against the regime of Miguel Díaz-Canel through a series of Facebook posts, where she called for a repeat of the peaceful July 11, 2021 demonstrations.
The document specifies that she is charged with contempt and committing crimes against the constitutional order, which carry penalties of two years and nine years, respectively. The combined sentence requested is 10 years in prison, along with additional penalties including deprivation of rights, confiscation of property, and a travel ban, in accordance with Articles 42.1, 52.1, and 59.1 of the Penal Code, as reported by the cited media.
Martínez Pérez has been detained since January 10, 2023, and despite having no prior criminal record, she remains in Guatao Prison under "provisional detention." Her mother, Norma Pérez, stated that her daughter has been unjustly accused, asserting that some of the charges are true while others are fabricated. She also mentioned that her daughter is "extremely angry."
Pérez added that during the trial, the prosecutor will present numerous pieces of evidence, including a statement from the accused obtained "by forcing her to read from a written paper" and the results of a search of her phone and home in Las Guásimas, located in the Arroyo Naranjo municipality of Havana.
Legal Battle Over Facebook Posts: Key Questions Answered
Given the gravity of the charges against Sulmira Martínez Pérez, many questions have arisen about the case. Here, we address some of the most pressing queries.
What are the charges against Sulmira Martínez Pérez?
Sulmira Martínez Pérez is charged with contempt and committing crimes against the constitutional order, which carry penalties of two years and nine years, respectively.
Why was she detained?
She was detained for her Facebook posts that allegedly incited Cubans to protest against the regime of Miguel Díaz-Canel, calling for a repeat of the peaceful July 11, 2021 demonstrations.
What evidence will be presented at her trial?
The prosecutor will present numerous pieces of evidence, including a statement from the accused obtained by coercion and results from a search of her phone and home.