Two Assemblies of God pastors in Cuba are facing serious legal consequences after citing their religious convictions during their son's military court proceeding.

Cuban prosecutors are seeking an eight-year prison sentence for Luis Guillermo Borjas and Roxana Rojas, accusing the couple of disrespect and disobedience after referencing religious beliefs while defending their son during a military tribunal, the Christian Post reported.

Borjas and Rojas, who live in Nueva Gerona on Isla de la Juventud, were detained earlier this week after appearing at a Cuban military tribunal held for their son, Kevin Laureido Rojas. Kevin had previously fled a Cuban military unit, supposedly in defiance of compulsory service requirements.

According to the family, Kevin had obtained a medical exemption from military service due to psychiatric health concerns. Despite this documented exemption, he was reportedly forcibly taken into military custody.

During the military tribunal, the couple presented official medical documentation that they say supported their son’s inability to serve. However, the military prosecutor challenged the authenticity of the documents, alleging they were false.

Religious Expression Sparks Prosecution

In response to the prosecutor's accusation, Pastor Borjas made a religious statement, saying officials involved would be accountable to divine justice. This remark, made during the tribunal, triggered immediate consequences.

The military prosecutor reportedly determined that invoking God’s judgment within the legal setting constituted an illegal act. As a result, both pastors were placed under arrest at once following the court session.

Authorities have since charged the couple with disrespect and defiance toward state officials. If convicted, each could serve up to eight years in prison under Cuban law.

Health Incident Raises Concerns

Pastor Borjas is being held at a local police station in Nueva Gerona. Meanwhile, his wife experienced a medical emergency the night of their detention. Reports indicate she collapsed and required hospitalization.

While in the hospital, Rojas was allegedly approached by an unknown man dressed as a nurse. According to witnesses, the man, who was not a hospital staff member, falsely claimed to be providing medical care and allegedly harassed her.

The couple’s trial is scheduled for June 9. Until then, Pastor Borjas remains in police custody while his wife recovers under uncertain conditions.

International Condemnation and Legal Context

Christian Solidarity Worldwide, a religious freedom organization based in the United Kingdom, condemned the situation. The group described the charges against the pastors as unjust and called for international diplomatic attention to the matter.

CSW has urged foreign governments and human rights organizations to pressure Cuban authorities to release Pastor Borjas and drop all legal proceedings. They argue the case reflects broader concerns about freedom of religion in Cuba.

Though the Assemblies of God church is officially recognized in Cuba, the country places strict controls on religious expression. The government requires religious organizations to be registered and imposes various limitations on those that operate outside of official approval.

Wider Pattern of Religious Restrictions

Unregistered religious groups in Cuba frequently face government monitoring and are often restricted from holding public gatherings or operating freely. Harassment and surveillance of religious leaders have been reported throughout the country.

In another recent case, Cuban authorities denied exiled pastor Alain Toledano Valiente entry into the country to visit his adult daughter, who is undergoing surgery for late-stage breast cancer. Toledano Valiente, a leader in the unregistered Apostolic Movement, has been barred from returning to Cuba since his forced exile in 2022.

Religious leaders have also been caught up in Cuba's broader human rights concerns. In January, Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo was released after serving two years of an eight-year sentence for participating in peaceful demonstrations back in 2021.

Backdrop of Political and Diplomatic Shifts

Pastor Rosales Fajardo was among more than 500 political prisoners freed earlier this year as part of an amnesty program. The prisoner release came shortly after the United States removed Cuba from a key terrorism watchlist category, a move that sparked political backlash in Washington.

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers criticized the delisting, citing Cuba’s reported support for organizations regarded as terrorist groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Critics argued that human rights abuses remain widespread on the island, including infringements on religious liberty.

The ongoing detention of Borjas and Rojas sets another example in a series of actions by Cuban authorities that rights groups say reflect a persistent suppression of dissent and freedom of belief. Advocates are calling for continued international attention to ensure the freedom of those targeted for exercising religious expression.