The outspoken rapper and political prisoner Maykel Osorbo Castillo Pérez continues to stand firm in the 5 and a half prison in Pinar del Río.
“After days without news of Maykel Osorbo, we are now informed that he remains on hunger strike. We do not know what is happening, only that Maykel is in danger. We want to hear his voice now!”, reported this Saturday the intellectual and activist Anamely Ramos.
Ramos had demanded a phone call from the political prisoner last Wednesday to confirm, as the prison authorities assured the rapper's family, that he had already ended the hunger strike with which he protested against his transfer to a prison in the interior of the country.
Last Tuesday, Maykel's father and a close friend of the political prisoner went to the 5 y medio prison to inquire about him, as the last they had heard, on Friday, June 20, was that he was indeed on a hunger strike because he did not want to be transferred to an eastern province, which was the threat he was facing.
The regime's political police in Cuba acknowledged that Maykel Osorbo was indeed under punishment, but not on hunger strike and stated that when he came out of that punishment, he would be allowed to make calls and that everything would continue as normal, that he would be returned to his company, to his usual cell, and that he would not be transferred. "This version contradicts the prison's version, which is that he was on hunger strike, but has already stopped," adds the activist.
Maykel Osorbo is a co-author of the song "Patria y Vida," which is 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. He still has 5 out of the 9 years he was sentenced to in May 2022 for "affecting the honor and dignity of the country's authorities" and the State Security
Frequently Asked Questions about Maykel Osorbo's Situation as a Political Prisoner in Cuba
Why is Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is in prison for harming the honor and dignity of the country’s authorities and the State Security in Cuba. He was sentenced to nine years in prison in May 2022, charged with various offenses such as assault, resistance, contempt, and public disorder. His imprisonment has been criticized internationally as it is seen as a political punishment.
What is the current status of Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is currently "standing firm" in the Kilo 5 y Medio prison in Pinar del Río. He has been on a hunger strike in protest against his transfer to a more distant prison and the conditions of his incarceration. There are concerns about his health due to the conditions he is facing.
What actions have been taken to ensure the release of Maykel Osorbo?
International human rights organizations have condemned his imprisonment and recognized him as a prisoner of conscience. Activists such as Anamely Ramos are demanding that Maykel be allowed to communicate with the outside world to confirm his health and safety situation. Moreover, his case has become a focal point for human rights defenders who continue to advocate for his release.
Why is Maykel Osorbo considered a symbol of protest in Cuba?
Maykel Osorbo is a co-author of the song "Patria y Vida", which has become an anthem of protest in Cuba. His music and activism openly challenge the Cuban regime, making him a symbol of resistance and an important figure for the opposition in the country. His imprisonment reflects the use of the prison system as a tool of political repression.
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