The authorities at Guanajay maximum-security prison in Artemisa have prohibited Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara from sending his drawings out of the facility, following the exhibition of some of his works in Miami. “He is painting, but they do not allow him to send the drawings out. We provide him with all the materials, but those drawings cannot leave the prison. This happened after the last exhibition we had,” said Claudia Genlui, an art curator, to Martí Noticias.
Otero Alcántara is a political prisoner in Cuba and a prominent figure internationally known as the founder of the San Isidro Movement (MSI). The young Cuban artist has been imprisoned since July 11, 2021, when he attempted to join anti-government protests in Havana and other cities across the country.
In the summer of 2022, Otero was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of public disorder, contempt, and desecration of national symbols. While in prison, he has maintained his opposition to the regime and has engaged in hunger strikes to demand his rights. “During his last hunger strike, Luis Manuel was alone in his cell, evidently with the intention of psychologically pressuring him and creating a sense of abandonment and neglect,” explained Genlui.
Genlui maintains contact with Otero Alcántara twice a week. According to her, “he is currently in more stable health. He remains connected with the outside world, projecting new artistic ideas and projects to raise awareness and promote the freedom of Cuba.”
Cuban activists have called for international support for Otero Alcántara and rapper Maykel Castillo (El Osorbo), both sentenced to five and nine years in prison, respectively. The rapper, a Latin Grammy winner for “Patria y Vida,” was sentenced for contempt, assault, public disorder, and defamation of state institutions. He is serving his sentence at Kilo 8 maximum-security prison in Pinar del Río.
“We have followed his situation week by week. Maykel spends a lot of time writing, a solitary activity due to constant surveillance and danger,” said Anamely Ramos, who also described a recent assault suffered by the artist in prison that resulted in a deep wound. Ramos denounced that the regime uses common prisoners against political prisoners, inflicting tangible harm and creating confrontations among them. The cases of both political prisoners are an illustration of repression and also an example of the struggle for freedom of expression in Cuba.
Understanding the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
To provide more context and clarity on the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Who is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a Cuban artist and political prisoner known internationally as the founder of the San Isidro Movement (MSI). He has been imprisoned since July 11, 2021, for attempting to join anti-government protests.
Why is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara in prison?
Otero Alcántara was sentenced to five years in prison in the summer of 2022 on charges of public disorder, contempt, and desecration of national symbols.
What is the San Isidro Movement (MSI)?
The San Isidro Movement (MSI) is a group founded by Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara that advocates for freedom of expression and artistic freedom in Cuba.
Who is Maykel Castillo (El Osorbo)?
Maykel Castillo, also known as El Osorbo, is a Cuban rapper and political prisoner. He is a Latin Grammy winner for the song “Patria y Vida” and was sentenced to nine years in prison for contempt, assault, public disorder, and defamation of state institutions.
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