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The independent Cuban artist Fernando Almenares Rivera, known as Nando Obdc, is on a hunger strike and cut off from communication in a prison in Güines, Mayabeque province, as reported by activists linked to the Cuban Youth Dialogue Table.
“We are very worried,” wrote María Matienzo on Facebook, who has raised concerns on social media about the serious condition of the artist.
“NanDoo ObDc is on hunger strike and is cut off from communication. His mother has not been able to speak with him and has no reason to believe the excuses given to prevent her from seeing him,” he stated.
Nando Obdc, known for his creative activism and critical stance towards the Cuban regime, is said to be incarcerated in a prison in Güines, Mayabeque province.
So far, there has been no official explanation regarding the reasons for his/her communication blackout or his/her current health status.
His mother has unsuccessfully tried to reach him, and according to reports, the authorities refuse to allow her a visit or provide clear information about his situation.
Various activists and social media users have started using the hashtag #FreeNando to raise awareness about the case and demand his release or, at the very least, the restoration of his basic rights as a detainee.
The 35-year-old artist was arrested on December 31 at his home in the Havana municipality of La Lisa. The arrest, as reported by the initiative Arte Prohibido, led by Nando himself, was carried out without prior summons or a court order.
According to reports from his family and independent organizations, his arrest is related to accusations of alleged links to subversive activities and a fire that occurred in Parque Lenin on December 30th.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Nando Obdc and Repression in Cuba
Why is Nando Obdc on a hunger strike and incommunicado in prison?
Nando Obdc is on a hunger strike and is incommunicado as a protest against his unjust detention and the conditions he faces in the Güines prison, located in the province of Mayabeque. His arrest, carried out without a summons or court order, is linked to accusations of subversive activities and a fire at Lenin Park, although there is no conclusive evidence. His incommunicado status and the lack of information about his health have raised concerns among his family and activists.
What is the legal situation of Nando Obdc and why was he arrested?
Nando Obdc was arrested on December 31 at his home in La Lisa, Havana, without a judicial order or prior summons. The arrest is allegedly linked to charges of terrorism and subversive activities, based on supposed connections with individuals in Miami. However, his wife and other sources assert that there is no material evidence, such as computers or documentation, to support these allegations. The only evidence that the authorities took was a Cuban flag.
How has the international community and activists reacted to the situation of Nando Obdc?
Various activists and social media users have used the hashtag #FreeNando to raise awareness about the case of Nando Obdc and demand his release, or at least the restoration of his basic rights as a detainee. The situation has been compared to other cases of political prisoners in Cuba, such as José Daniel Ferrer and Maykel Osorbo, who have also resorted to hunger strikes to protest against their unjust confinement. The international community has expressed concern over the inhumane conditions in which these activists are held.
What measures have Nando Obdc's family and lawyers taken to improve his situation?
The family of Nando Obdc, along with human rights organizations, has unsuccessfully attempted to improve his legal and prison situation. His wife, Adrianna Machado, has reported the inhumane conditions in which he is held, and has pointed out that his mother is focused on getting him out of prison, while she seeks to get him out of Cuba. Nando's lawyer requested a change in measure, but the Cuban regime denied it. The lack of communication and the authorities' refusal to allow visits or provide clear information have further complicated the situation.
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