The Cuban political prisoner Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was awarded the prestigious Rafto Prize for Human Rights for his brave use of art as a tool of resistance against authoritarianism in Cuba.
The Rafto Foundation, based in Bergen, Norway, highlighted that Otero Alcántara leads a new generation of independent Cuban voices that challenge the regime through creative forms of opposition.
The 36-year-old "artivist" has been arrested numerous times for his ideals. He is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for charges of disrespecting national symbols, contempt, and disturbing public order.
He was arrested on July 11, 2021, while trying to join the protests demanding freedom and better living conditions in Cuba. Curator Claudia Genlui, collaborator and partner of Otero Alcántara, shared with AFP that the artist feels hopeful about this recognition.
"This award is a ray of hope amidst all the pain and darkness being experienced," said Genlui.
In addition, both she and Yanelys Núñez, also a member of the artist's studio, celebrated the award on social media, highlighting that they hope this international recognition will once again bring attention to Cuban political prisoners and pressure the international community to take stronger action against the regime.
Otero Alcántara is considered by Amnesty International as a "prisoner of conscience." Since 2016, he has suffered political persecution, arrests, and the destruction of his artworks by Cuban authorities.
His activism has included multiple hunger strikes as a form of protest, which has raised international calls for his release.
The Rafto Foundation, established in 1987 and with an award valued at 20,000 dollars, has recognized individuals who have subsequently been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, such as Aung San Suu Kyi and José Ramos-Horta.
This award strengthens the fight of Otero Alcántara and other political prisoners in Cuba, and underscores the need for greater international attention to the defense of human rights on the island.
The Cuban government, however, has discredited Otero Alcántara, accusing him of being an agent in the service of U.S. interests to destabilize the country.
In August, Cuban activists reported threats against Otero Alcántara in the Guanajay prison.
Genlui reported that, during a phone call, a guard attempted to interrupt the conversation, raising concerns about the constant intimidation faced by the artist. Alcántara, after having gone on a hunger strike, was subjected to psychological violence, severely affecting his health.
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