The Cuban artist and political prisoner Maykel Castillo Pérez, known as Maykel Osorbo, recently ended a hunger strike that he maintained for nearly a week, during which he lost approximately six kilograms.
According to the report from the Cuban activist Anamely Ramos, one of the people closest to the rapper, Maykel was transferred to Kilo 8 prison, three kilometers from 5 and Medio prison in Pinar del Río, .
The artist recounted that in that prison he learned of the case of a young protester from 11J whose tattoo bearing the date of the historic protests of July 2021 was forcibly removed.
Reclusion and harassment
Back at 5 y Medio, Maykel found that all the inmates in his cell block had been transferred to isolate him, after his transfer to Oriente, as the authorities had intended, did not materialize.
Now he is surrounded by unknown prisoners, possibly informants, which increases the risk to his safety. In his own words: “I’d rather be thrown into a hole at once.”
In addition, he emerged from the punishment with a strong pain in his arm, which could be the result of damage to the ligament between the collarbone and the shoulder, although there is no official medical diagnosis, only his testimony of physical discomfort.
Commitment to truth and support
The activist highlighted that, after the end of the hunger strike, Cuban officials warned Maykel that their main concern was that people were taking an interest in him, that details of his situation were spreading, and, above all, that the artist continued to be so beloved and visible both inside and outside of Cuba.
"If a fly happens to fly by Maykel, we will mention it. So, learn to deal with that, because the only way for it to stop is to let it go."
Updates concerning the health and condition of Maykel Osorbo are expected to continue in the coming days, while attention remains on other political prisoners such as José Daniel Ferrer, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, and Alexander Fábregas, amid growing tension as the anniversary of the protests that shook the country in 2021 approaches on July 11 (11J), as Anamely Ramos pointed out in her post.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maykel Osorbo's Situation in Prison
Why did Maykel Osorbo start a hunger strike?
Maykel Osorbo has started a hunger strike in protest against the threats of being transferred to more distant prisons, which represents an extreme punishment by separating him from his family. Furthermore, this decision is a response to the ongoing harassment he suffers at the hands of the Cuban regime.
What complaints has Maykel Osorbo made regarding his treatment in prison?
Maykel Osorbo has reported degrading treatment in prison, including forced isolation and harassment by prison authorities. He has also pointed out reprisals for his activism, such as disciplinary actions for "spreading false news" on social media.
What is Maykel Osorbo's health status following the hunger strike?
After ending the hunger strike, Maykel Osorbo experienced significant weight loss and is suffering from severe pain in his arm, possibly due to damage to the ligament between the collarbone and the shoulder. However, no official medical diagnosis has been made.
What role does Anamely Ramos play in the case of Maykel Osorbo?
Anamely Ramos is a Cuban activist close to Maykel Osorbo and has been instrumental in raising awareness about his situation, demanding transparency and direct communication to confirm his health status. She has also warned that updates on Osorbo and other political prisoners in Cuba will continue.
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