Biologist detained and imprisoned in a fake trial

Biologist Ariel Ruiz Urquiola wanted to start an ecological study on a plot of land in Viñales. On May the 3rd, while working on his land, two forest rangers by the names of Cirlio Saherna and Alexander Blanco arrived on his property for proper documentation. While on his way to his house, he referred to the rangers as "guardias rurales" which was a pre-revolutionary term for forest rangers. The name alone was enough to crime on to itself and is punishable to 1 year in prison. Even though he had the right permits for his work, he spoke out against environmental laws that annoyed his neighbors and authorities. He had already spoken out against hunting endangered turtles, which got him expelled from college. Ruiz was sentenced to 1 year in prison. His family alleges that this was only a facade to confiscate his land. He was released 3 months after.