The Cuban political prisoner Maykel Osorbo, one of the most recognized faces of activism on the island, remains in solitary confinement at the Kilo 5 and Medio prison in Pinar del Río, after having an argument with a State Security agent during his official visit.
According to reported by activist Anamely Ramos González, the authorities of the prison have sent contradictory messages: while those inside the prison claim that Osorbo is on a "hunger strike" in protest and in delicate health conditions, State Security is trying to communicate to his family that everything "is fine" and that the punishment will be limited to 15 days.
However, Ramos, based in the United States, insists that she will not trust rumors or intermediaries, and demands a direct call from Maykel to confirm his physical and emotional state.
"To know that Maykel is okay, I only believe in hearing his voice. Not through messages or threats. We want him to call tomorrow, Monday, to confirm that he is safe and that the visit that was suspended is restored," he emphasized in a public statement.
Concerns are growing, as Osorbo had shown symptoms of a virus before being sent to the punishment cell, which could worsen his health due to the poor conditions of the prison.
Attempts at provocation and criminalization
He also reported that the authorities of the dictatorship have been provoking him for months to create incidents and justify new charges against him. He pointed out that the regime is trying to hold the artist himself responsible for his situation, criminalizing his behavior to cover up the violence and humiliation he endures.
"Maykel is imprisoned for no reason. Maykel is the one enduring humiliation and ongoing violence for making a song, in a filthy jail where there isn't even running water in the bathrooms. Before going to a prison for adults, Maykel was held in Combinadito and learned that you ARE THE ENEMY, something that the people of Cuba have also learned at great cost of pain and misery."
They also recalled that Osorbo had already been a victim of arbitrary detentions while underage, and that his resistance against the power is an expression of what a significant part of the Cuban people has learned "at the cost of pain and misery."
As a result, Anamelys demanded to be allowed to make a phone call to confirm her situation; to have her family visit reinstated, which had been suspended; and for her physical integrity to be respected, and for the provocations against her to cease.
Meanwhile, activists and human rights organizations have heightened their alerts, holding the Cuban regime responsible for any harm that may come to the imprisoned artist and dissident.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maykel Osorbo and Political Prisoners in Cuba
Who is Maykel Osorbo and why is he imprisoned?
Maykel Osorbo is a Cuban rapper and activist known for his opposition to the Cuban regime. In 2022, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for alleged offenses including assault, resistance, contempt, and public disorder. He is a co-author of the song "Patria y Vida," which is considered an anthem of resistance in Cuba. His imprisonment has been denounced as arbitrary by various international organizations.
What has Anamely Ramos reported about Maykel Osorbo's situation?
Anamely Ramos has reported the isolation and punishments that Maykel Osorbo is facing in prison. She has demanded that he be allowed to communicate with his family to confirm his health status. Ramos has alerted about the provocations and mistreatment that the activist suffers, as well as the inhumane conditions in which he is held.
What is the situation of political prisoners in Cuba according to the current context?
The situation of political prisoners in Cuba is alarming, with over 700 individuals imprisoned for political reasons. Prisons are described as "death centers" due to human rights violations, including lack of medical care and inhumane conditions of confinement. The announced releases have been partial and selective, leaving many prisoners of conscience behind bars.
How has the international community reacted to the case of Maykel Osorbo?
The international community has condemned the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo and has declared him a prisoner of conscience. Organizations such as Amnesty International have demanded his immediate release. His case has exemplified the repression against opponents in Cuba and has raised global concerns about the human rights situation on the island.
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