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The urban artist Fernando Almenares Rivera, known as Nando Obdc, 34 years old, was detained on Tuesday, December 31, by the Cuban State Security, as announced by the platform Mesa de Diálogo de la Juventud Cubana on its social media.
The collective stated: "There is nothing to celebrate in a country where an activist or an artist is taken into custody every day. Today, December 31, 2024, the artist Nando Obdc has been arrested. The charges are serious because the Cuban dictatorship detests the truth and dissent. Immediate freedom for Nando! He is not alone!”
The independent outlet Cubanet reported that the arrest took place on the morning of this Tuesday, and authorities claim there are alleged connections to "acts of terrorism against the State."
According to his wife, the State Security agents who detained him claimed to have "suspicions" of his involvement in criminal activities against the government.
Nando Obdc is a prominent figure in the independent cultural movement in Cuba, and his work addresses themes such as repression, censorship, and the tough living conditions on the island.
In 2021, he was arrested by the Cuban police after receiving threats from a neighbor who claimed to be a "revolutionary," according to journalist and racial activist María Matienzo.
In recent months, the artist had used his social media to denounce the situation of political prisoners and demand greater freedom of expression, which made him a frequent target of State Security.
The case of Nando Obdc reflects the increasingly repressive environment that the independent artistic and cultural movement in Cuba is facing, set against a backdrop of economic and social crisis that has intensified protests and challenges to the government.
Meanwhile, both inside and outside the island, calls for the immediate release of the artist and an end to the persecution of those who defend freedom of expression are growing louder.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of Nando Obdc and Repression in Cuba
Why was the artist Nando Obdc arrested in Cuba?
Nando Obdc was arrested by Cuban State Security under the pretext of having "suspicions" about his involvement in criminal activities against the government. His detention is linked to his activism on social media, where he denounced the situation of political prisoners and called for greater freedom of expression on the island.
What does the arrest of Nando Obdc represent for the artistic movement in Cuba?
The arrest of Nando Obdc reflects the growing repression that the independent artistic and cultural movement in Cuba is facing. This case highlights the systematic persecution of artists who criticize the regime and address issues such as repression and censorship in their work.
How has the international community reacted to the arrest of artists in Cuba?
The international community has expressed its concern and called for the release of detained artists, such as Nando Obdc and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Human rights organizations have condemned these arrests and urged the Cuban regime to respect freedom of expression and cultural rights.
What are the common accusations against arrested artists in Cuba?
Artists detained in Cuba often face accusations of "acts of terrorism against the state," "outrage against national symbols," or "disrespect." These accusations are used as tools to silence and suppress those who criticize the government or advocate for social and political change.
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