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The Cuban activist Anamely Ramos reported that the rapper and political prisoner Maykel Castillo (“Osorbo”), one of the creators of the song Patria y Vida, is facing a new escalation of repression within the Kilo 8 prison in Pinar del Río, where he remains incommunicado in a punishment cell.
According to Ramos on the social network X, on August 16, Maykel was assaulted by an inmate instigated by officer Lázaro Domínguez. Although he defended himself against the attack, the regime's response was to sanction him with isolation, while the inmate who attacked him was transferred to a minimum-security regime, which confirms —according to the complaint— that it was a provocation orchestrated by the State Security.
Ramos, based in the United States and who has been updating on the situation for several days, warned that Osorbo could be charged with new offenses for contempt and threats, which would increase his sentence.
He recalled that the artist has been imprisoned arbitrarily for over four years, as stated by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and emphasized that every step in his case is a political decision backed by high-ranking officials in State Security.
The activist called on the international community to demand guarantees for the life and rights of Maykel. “Maykel cannot be re-victimized. The Cuban government cannot continue to violate political prisoners with impunity,” she wrote, warning that this is a new chapter in the persecution of those who defend human rights on the island.
Ramos is very close to Maykel Osorbo and has been instrumental in denouncing his situation, demanding transparency and direct communication to confirm his health status. Additionally, she has warned that updates on Osorbo and other political prisoners in Cuba will continue.
Castillo was arrested in May 2021 and has since been held hundreds of kilometers away from his home. According to his associates, the regime aims to break him both physically and emotionally with these kinds of measures.
The artist is a co-author of the song "Patria y Vida," considered an anthem of protest in Cuba. His imprisonment has been condemned by international organizations and human rights advocates who recognize him as a prisoner of conscience.
Frequently asked questions about Maykel Osorbo's situation in Cuba
Why is Maykel Osorbo facing new charges in prison?
Maykel Osorbo may face new charges for alleged contempt and threats due to an incident in which he was attacked by a common inmate incited by an officer. This situation is seen as a provocation orchestrated by State Security, which could increase his prison sentence.
What is Maykel Osorbo's current situation in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is held at the Kilo 8 prison in Pinar del Río, where he is isolated in a punishment cell. Activist Anamely Ramos claims that the regime is trying to break him both physically and emotionally, and that his situation serves as a tool of political repression.
What actions are being taken to support Maykel Osorbo?
Anamely Ramos, an activist close to Osorbo, has been regularly updating on his situation and has called on the international community to demand guarantees for his life and respect for his rights. Transparency and direct communication are required to confirm his health status. Furthermore, alerts about other political prisoners in Cuba have intensified.
What has been the international response to the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo?
The imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo has been condemned by international organizations and human rights advocates, who recognize him as a prisoner of conscience. His case is viewed as a symbol of political repression, and calls for his release have been made in multiple international forums.
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