The Directorate of Associations of the Cuban Ministry of Justice (MINJUS) has overturned the expulsion of former Grand Master Mario Alberto Urquía Carreño and reinstated him to his positions within the Supreme Council and the Grand Lodge of the island.
According to Cubanet, the ministry ruled in favor of Urquía Carreño, who was removed from his duties by fellow Freemasons after $19,000 was stolen from the National Masonic Asylum earlier this year.
In a letter addressed to Sovereign Grand Commander José Ramón Viñas Alonso, MINJUS stated that the investigative process should have been handled by a "Superior Tribunal," thus violating the Grand Master's rights to due process and the presumption of innocence.
"Throughout the entire process up to this date, we have identified violations of rights recognized by our Constitution and internal regulations of the referenced Masonic bodies," the letter, accessed by Cubanet, indicated.
As a result, MINJUS revoked the unanimous decision by the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for the Republic of Cuba, which had decreed Urquía's expulsion due to "serious misconduct."
Following this Supreme Council decision, representatives from over 300 lodges across the country also agreed to expel Urquía in March, preventing him from opening and presiding over the semi-annual session of the High Masonic Chamber (Legislative Power).
With the new ruling, Urquía Carreño resumes his role with the Grand Lodge of Cuba, which not only invalidates the wishes of the Freemasons but also nullifies the appointment of Juan Alberto Kessel Linares as Grand Master.
The acquittal also disregards allegations against Urquía for failing to report and protect the assets of economic entities, which were made in February by the Asylum's Board of Trustees and the Director of the National Masonic Asylum.
Additionally, Urquía was accused before Cuban authorities of misappropriating $2,360, a charge not mentioned in any official document. MINJUS acknowledges Urquía's involvement in reporting the theft of the $19,000, stating that "he has not been charged nor brought to the prosecutor's office, and the case has been dismissed."
When Urquía Carreño reported the incident in January, he claimed that initially, most brothers understood the theft was despicable and beyond his control, and he committed to repaying the money. However, that support faded, and the island's Masonic community has expressed strong opposition to his reinstatement, viewing the MINJUS verdict as an intrusion into their affairs.
According to Cubanet, some Freemasons voiced concerns over the government's actions, accusing it of attempting to "dominate the Freemasons and eliminate those of us who are inconvenient for the dictatorship."
Historian Gustavo Pardo also warned that the authorities' decision could lead to "very unfortunate events for the Cuban Fraternity, including the possible removal of the current Sovereign Grand Commander and even potential irregularities within the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree."
Implications of Urquía Carreño's Reinstatement
The recent decision to reinstate Mario Urquía Carreño has raised numerous questions and concerns within the Cuban Masonic community. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding this controversial issue.
Why was Mario Urquía Carreño expelled initially?
Mario Urquía Carreño was expelled due to allegations of serious misconduct, including the theft of $19,000 from the National Masonic Asylum.
What was the reason for the MINJUS to overturn the expulsion?
MINJUS overturned the expulsion because the investigative process was not conducted by a "Superior Tribunal," violating Urquía's rights to due process and the presumption of innocence.
How has the Masonic community reacted to Urquía's reinstatement?
The Masonic community has largely opposed Urquía's reinstatement, viewing the government's decision as an unwarranted interference in their internal affairs.