Related videos:
The Cuban rapper and political prisoner Maykel Castillo Pérez (Maykel Osorbo) declared a hunger and thirst strike in the Kilo 5 and a Half Prison in Pinar del Río, in response to threats of a possible transfer to even more distant prisons in Camagüey or Santiago de Cuba.
The report was published this Friday on the Facebook page of Maykel Osorbo 349, warning that the artist's life is at risk and that the attempt to distance him even further from his family represents an extreme form of punishment.
“The fact that he is already more than 150 kilometers away from his place of residence is cruelty. And now they intend to send him almost ten times farther,” the publication notes.
Castillo was arrested in May 2021 and has since remained incarcerated hundreds of kilometers from his home. According to his associates, the regime seeks to break him physically and emotionally with such measures, and his hunger strike is a response driven by survival instinct. “Maykel knows very well why they are doing this”, they warned.
The artist's protest comes after several recent episodes that reflect the gradual deterioration of his situation in prison. In February, the authorities imposed a disciplinary measure on him for allegedly "spreading false news" on social media. This sanction was considered a retaliation for the reports made from outside regarding the abuses and conditions in the prison.
In April, Osorbo was punished with isolation following a dispute with a State Security agent, while his health was compromised due to symptoms of a virus. His family then reported the lack of information and demanded the right to direct communication to confirm that he was safe.
Weeks later, in an audio shared on social media, the musician harshly criticized the authorities who denied him the ability to attend his grandmother's funeral, who raised him since childhood. “Am I a counter-revolutionary? Yes. I’m not offended because you call me a counter-revolutionary… What I’m not is what you are,” he stated, reaffirming his strong stance against the regime.
Maykel Osorbo is the co-author of the song Patria y Vida, considered an anthem of protest in Cuba. His imprisonment has been condemned by international organizations and human rights defenders who recognize him as a prisoner of conscience.
The new hunger strike once again raises alarms about his health condition and the use of the prison system as a tool for political punishment in Cuba. "If Maykel continues on hunger strike and his health worsens, putting his life at risk, things will get very ugly for you too," concludes the warning from his loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maykel Osorbo's Situation in Prison
Why is Maykel Osorbo on a hunger strike?
Maykel Osorbo declared a hunger and thirst strike in the Kilo 5 and a Half prison in Pinar del Río, in protest against threats of being moved to more distant prisons, which would increase his isolation from his family. This extreme action aims to draw attention to his situation and the unjust conditions he faces as a political prisoner.
What disciplinary measures has Maykel Osorbo faced in prison?
Maykel Osorbo has been subject to several disciplinary measures in prison, including a sanction for allegedly "spreading false news" on social media. These measures are seen as retaliation for his complaints about the abuses and conditions in the penal facility, and they are part of a pattern of harassment aimed at breaking him down physically and emotionally.
What is the current health situation of Maykel Osorbo?
The health of Maykel Osorbo is a major concern, especially following his declaration of a hunger and thirst strike. Previously, he had already shown symptoms of a virus and had been punished with isolation, which has exacerbated his physical condition and increased the risks to his well-being.
How has the international community reacted to the case of Maykel Osorbo?
The international community has widely condemned the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo, recognizing him as a prisoner of conscience. Organizations such as Amnesty International are demanding his immediate release, and his case remains emblematic of the systematic repression against dissidents and artists in Cuba.
Filed under: