Cuban authorities have detained a Protestant pastor and his wife after comments referencing their religious beliefs during a military proceeding for their son.

According to CBN, Pastor Luis Guillermo Borjas and his wife, Roxana Rojas, now face up to eight years in prison on charges of disrespecting and disobeying government officials during a tribunal for their son, raising alarms over religious freedom in the country.

The incident began when their son, Kevin Laureido Rojas, fled a military installation despite a documented medical exemption from compulsory service. Kevin’s psychiatric condition had been officially recognized by a court-sanctioned medical commission.

His parents brought this documentation to defend their son’s absence during a military tribunal last week. During the proceedings, they were accused by a military prosecutor of presenting fake records to sway the court.

In response to those accusations, Pastor Borjas cited his faith, stating that tribunal officials would ultimately answer to “God’s justice” for their treatment of his son. The prosecutor promptly had the couple detained, arguing that voicing religious sentiments in a military court was not permissible under Cuban law.

Charges Spark Concern From Religious Rights Groups

The pastor and his wife were charged with disrespect and disobedience, both considered criminal offenses in Cuba. The military prosecutor is reportedly seeking an eight-year prison sentence for each of them.

This development was denounced by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a religious freedom advocacy organization based in the United Kingdom. CSW said the detentions occurred solely because of a religious statement in response to alleged unfair treatment by the military.

“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. She added that the Cuban government’s actions are deeply troubling and violate international norms on freedom of belief and expression.

Mother’s Health Crisis Adds to Outrage

The night of their detention, Roxana Rojas, who suffers from a heart condition, was hospitalized after losing consciousness in custody. Medical staff later reported that an unidentified man in civilian clothing attempted to interact with her, falsely posing as a nurse.

The couple are active members of the Assemblies of God, a Protestant denomination recognized by the Cuban government. The charges against them are especially concerning to observers, given their affiliation with a religious group that operates legally in the country.

CSW called on the Cuban state to immediately drop all charges and release both individuals. The organization has also urged international leaders to step up efforts to defend the freedoms of religion and speech within Cuba.

Religious Repression Tied to Broader Crackdown

Cuba's overall human rights environment has deteriorated further in the past year, according to the World Watch List 2025 compiled by Open Doors. The country is now ranked 26th for the most extreme persecution of Christians.

This drop in Cuba’s ranking is not due to domestic improvement but rather because other countries have worsened. Open Doors noted that the Cuban government has intensified actions against dissenters and religious leaders seen as critical of the state.

Church leaders who challenge the government or support protest movements often face serious consequences, ranging from arbitrary detention to confiscation of property. The government’s actions against Pastor Borjas and Rojas are seen as part of this growing pattern.

Previous Cases Highlight Pattern of Persecution

One recent example includes Pastor Lorenzo Rosales Fajardo, who was imprisoned for over three years for participating in anti-government protests. He was sentenced to seven years on charges such as criminal incitement.

Fajardo faced brutal treatment following his arrest. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reported that he was beaten and abused in a degrading manner while detained.

He was released only when Cuba agreed to release 553 political prisoners following negotiations to be removed from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list under the Biden administration.

International Pressure Builds Ahead of Trial

The trial date for Pastor Borjas and Roxana Rojas has been scheduled for June 9. Advocacy organizations continue to raise awareness globally, hoping diplomatic efforts can prevent a lengthy prison sentence for what they insist is a peaceful act of faith.

“CSW urges the international community to press the Cuban government to uphold the often intersecting rights to freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief for all,” said Stangl.

The Cuban government has not responded publicly to international calls for leniency or commented on the legal proceedings. Advocates remain concerned about rising restrictions on religious practice as political and humanitarian tensions grow in the country.