Cuba's Fiscalía Threatens Harsh Penalties for Electricity System...

What Happened

The Attorney General's Office of the Republic of Cuba has issued a stern warning that it will apply "the full rigor of the law" to individuals causing damage to the National Electric System (SEN).

This announcement comes at a time when the Cuban population is experiencing a severe energy crisis, marked by prolonged blackouts and frequent failures in the electrical infrastructure.

Where and When

These warnings and actions are contextualized within the period of 2025 and the first semester of 2026.

The Fiscalía has initiated over 460 criminal investigations across all provinces for incidents related to the SEN, with specific mentions of high incidence in Matanzas, Ciego de Ávila, Mayabeque, Santiago de Cuba, and Artemisa for certain types of theft.

The affected infrastructure includes components for electricity generation and distribution, transformers, high-voltage towers, and solar parks.

Why It Matters

Damage to the SEN has significant repercussions, leaving thousands of families without electricity for extended periods.

These disruptions also critically affect essential services such as water supply, telecommunications, and food production, exacerbating the existing energy crisis and societal hardships.

The Fiscalía attributes part of the difficulties to what they term an "economic war" and the U.S. "maximum pressure" policy, highlighting the precarious state of Cuba's electrical infrastructure and fuel shortages.

What the Parties Say

The Fiscalía General de la República stated its intention to prosecute offenders under the penal figure of "Sabotage."

They reported that between 2025 and the first half of 2026, over 460 criminal investigations were opened, covering alleged sabotage, damages, theft, and receipt of stolen goods.

The Fiscalía also noted that the Supreme People's Court established in May 2025 that certain acts of vandalism against the electro-energetic system can be classified as sabotage, a qualification that significantly increases potential penalties.

What Comes Next

The Fiscalía reminded the public that Articles 125 and 126 of the Penal Code prescribe penalties for sabotage that can reach up to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, and even the death penalty in certain cases.

It was reported that 87% of defendants in these processes are being held under provisional prison.

Furthermore, all individuals convicted in 2026 for incidents related to the SEN received sabotage sanctions, primarily ranging from nine to 20 years in prison. Vehicles and machinery used in or resulting from these acts may also be seized or confiscated.