In an act that prioritizes political punishment over any humanitarian considerations, Maykel Castillo Pérez, artistically known as Maykel Osorbo, was denied the right to say goodbye to his deceased grandmother, despite having requested permission to attend the funeral under custody.
His grandmother, Hilda Rojas Mora, 85 years old, passed away this Monday from natural causes. According to Osorbo's request for assistance for the funeral, she was more than a grandmother to the rapper and activist; she was his foster mother since he was practically alone at the age of ten. Still, that deep bond and the pleas of his loved ones were not enough to move the regime.
Since 6 p.m., family and friends have been watching over the body of the elderly woman at the Marcos Abreu funeral home, located on Zanja Street, between Gervasio and Chávez, in Centro Habana. But someone essential was missing: her grandson, who has been unable to see her for over four years, imprisoned hundreds of kilometers away from his city, at the 5 y Medio prison in Pinar del Río.
The burial will take place at 8:50 am, but if it needs to be extended, that's not a problem. What we want is for my cousin to see her one last time and say goodbye to her," pleaded the family, making a direct appeal to State Security and the heads of the prison.
They also recalled that the same thing happened when Maykel's foster grandfather passed away, who gave him his surname. At that time, he was also not allowed to attend.
The confirmation of the refusal came through the musician and activist Yotuel Romero, who denounced the situation on social media:
The Cuban dictatorship has just denied Maykel Osorbo the right to say goodbye to his grandmother, who raised him, the one who was his pillar. She has passed away... and Maykel, unjustly imprisoned without any reason, is not even allowed to say goodbye.
Yotuel compared what happened to what the dictatorship did decades ago with Celia Cruz, who was also denied a farewell. “The pain of forced separation becomes eternal punishment. Repression not only imprisons bodies but also mutilates souls.”
The artist also announced that if these violations continue, they will take the case to international organizations such as Amnesty International (AI). “This is not politics; it's humanity. And you, with this action, are showing yourselves to be inhumane and criminal. Maykel is not something to be toyed with. And with the pain of a grandchild, even less.”
Maykel Osorbo, co-author of the emblematic song “Patria y Vida”, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his activism and daring to challenge the official narrative. His case has been denounced as a clear example of political repression and human rights violations.
International organizations recognize him as a prisoner of conscience, and his imprisonment remains an open wound for Cuban civil society.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repression of Activism in Cuba and the Case of Maykel Osorbo
Why couldn't Maykel Osorbo attend his grandmother's funeral?
The Cuban regime denied him permission to attend the funeral of his grandmother, Hilda Rojas Mora, who was a maternal figure for him. Despite his family's pleas, the government did not allow Osorbo, considered a political prisoner, to say goodbye to her.
What is the current situation of Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is currently in prison serving a nine-year sentence for his political activism. He has been subjected to mistreatment and reprisals, such as disciplinary measures for allegedly "spreading false news" on social media. International organizations recognize him as a prisoner of conscience and demand his release.
What international repercussions has the case of Maykel Osorbo had?
The imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo has drawn condemnation from the international community. Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have declared Osorbo a prisoner of conscience and have demanded his immediate release. His case is a symbol of the systematic repression against opponents in Cuba.
How has the artistic community responded to the situation of Maykel Osorbo?
The artistic community, both inside and outside of Cuba, has shown solidarity with Maykel Osorbo. Artists like Yotuel Romero have denounced his situation on social media and have pledged to take the case to international bodies if the violations continue. The slogan "Patria y Vida" has become a symbol of resistance and support for his cause.
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