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The Cuban art historian and activist, Anamely Ramos González, turned her birthday into a call for the freedom of imprisoned artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo Pérez.
In an emotional post on social media, Ramos expressed gratitude for the congratulations received and reflected on the importance of home beyond the physical space, emphasizing the need for freedom for her companions and many others.
“As I am an incurable enthusiast, somewhere within me I wished to celebrate my birthday alongside these two forces of nature. And that would mean freedom for many more,” said the activist, referring to the process of political prisoner releases initiated by the Cuban regime.
Ramos shared an unusual photograph in which he appears alongside Otero Alcántara and Osorbo, lamenting the lack of more images together. He also expressed his hope that, at some point, more memories will emerge that allow them to "handle time" and relive shared moments.
Otero Alcántara, leader of the San Isidro Movement (MSI), and Maykel "Osorbo," rapper and activist of the MSI, were sentenced in June 2022 to five and nine years in prison, respectively, on charges including insult to national symbols, disobedience, and public disorder.
Both artists have received international awards and recognitions, highlighting their work and activism in favor of freedom of expression and human rights in Cuba. Maykel Osorbo won two Latin Grammy awards for the song "Patria y Vida", while Otero Alcántara was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021 by Time Magazine.
Various international organizations, such as Amnesty International, have demanded their release, considering them to be prisoners of conscience.
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba is once again in limbo, as the Cuban regime has halted the releases after being re-listed as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States.
The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) expressed its concern over the suspension of releases, highlighting the lack of transparency in the process and criticizing the government for using prisoners as "bargaining chips".
Ramos, who has been a consistent voice in denouncing repression in Cuba and defending human rights, reflected in his message the longing for freedom and justice for his peers and for the Cuban people in general.
The international community continues to closely monitor the situation of political prisoners on the island, while activists like Ramos keep the hope for change and the release of those imprisoned for expressing their ideas and fighting for freedom alive.
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