Cuban Pastor, Wife Face Prison for Referencing God in Court

‌ Updated May 29, 2025

A‍ Cuban pastor and his wife are facing⁣ potential eight-year prison sentences for invoking their religious beliefs during a military tribunal, according to Christian Solidarity⁤ Worldwide (CSW). Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas were⁤ detained ⁢after being charged with disrespecting and disobeying authorities.

The‌ Assemblies‍ of God-affiliated couple appeared in court for their son, ‌Kevin Laureido Rojas, who had fled military service despite a medical exemption. The couple presented medical documents outlining their son’s ‍psychiatric condition.

According to CSW, Pastor Borjas protested when the military prosecutor accused them of presenting false evidence,⁣ stating that the officials would be ‍accountable ⁢to “God’s justice.” The prosecutor then ordered their detention, claiming it was illegal to mention God ⁢in a military tribunal. Their trial is scheduled for June 9.

CSW ‌is urging Cuban authorities to release the couple,noting that Rojas has a heart condition and was hospitalized after being detained.She⁣ was reportedly harassed by an individual posing as a nurse.

“It is unacceptable that a simple ⁤reference to their religious beliefs in response to the military’s unjust treatment of their family should be ⁣criminalized,” said Anna Lee Stangl,CSW’s director of advocacy.
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Stangl added that it was “even‌ more unconscionable that the government would seek an eight-year prison sentence,” and urged the international community to pressure Cuba to uphold freedom of expression and religious freedom.

Cuba ranks 26th on the Open Doors World Watch List 2025,​ which identifies countries where Christians face extreme persecution. The organization notes that‌ while Cuba has ranked higher in the past, persecution has worsened in other nations.

The World Watch List reports that Cuba’s humanitarian crisis has worsened, with increased action against dissidents.‍ Church leaders and Christian activists ‌who speak out against human rights abuses often face hostility and arbitrary ​arrest.

Previously, Cuban Pastor ⁢Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo spent over​ three years in prison for protesting human rights violations. He was released after the Biden administration removed Cuba from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

What’s next

The international​ community is ⁤watching ⁤the case closely, with many hoping for a swift resolution that respects ⁣religious ⁤freedom and human rights. Advocates continue to‍ call for the release of Pastor⁤ Borjas and Roxana Rojas, urging⁢ Cuba to‌ reconsider the charges against them.