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The United States government once again demanded the immediate release of the Cuban rapper Maykel Castillo Pérez, known as Osorbo, who was
“Maykel ‘Osorbo’ Castillo, coauthor of the anthem against repression Patria y Vida, remains unjustly detained for memes and songs that challenge the Cuban dictatorship. Eight years for dissent is tyranny, not justice,” the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the Department of State denounced on the social network X.
The message, accompanied by a photo of the artist with the caption "Unjustly detained," adds to the growing international calls against the repression of the Havana regime.
In June 2022, the Municipal Court of Havana sentenced Maykel Osorbo to nine years of imprisonment and his companion from the San Isidro Movement, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, to five.
Both were accused of crimes such as “outrage against national symbols,” “disrespect,” “defamation of institutions and heroes,” “resistance,” and “public disorder.”
The Prosecutor's Office claimed that Osorbo had manipulated images to "affect the honor and dignity of the highest authorities" and that he incited a crowd in the street against the police.
However, human rights organizations, artists, and activists denounced at that time that it was a political trial aimed at silencing critical voices.
The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has determined that the imprisonment of the rapper is arbitrary and has urged Cuba to arrange for his immediate release, a recommendation that the regime has ignored.
Repressive escalation in prison
Denunciations regarding the treatment of Osorbo have intensified in recent weeks. Activist Anamely Ramos, close to the artist, reported that on August 16, the rapper was assaulted by a common prisoner incited by a State Security officer. After defending himself, he was punished with solitary confinement, while the aggressor received prison benefits.
According to Ramos, this maneuver aims to provoke new criminal proceedings against the artist on charges of "disobedience" and "threats," which could further extend his sentence.
“Maykel cannot be re-victimized. The government of Cuba can no longer continue to degrade political prisoners with impunity”, warned the activist from the United States, holding the Cuban authorities responsible for his physical integrity.
International reactions
The case of Osorbo has sparked global condemnation. Since he was imprisoned in May 2021, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the European Union, the European Parliament, and the U.S. Department of State have acknowledged him as a prisoner of conscience.
On several occasions, artists and intellectuals have demanded their immediate release, reminding that Patria y Vida became a symbol of the protests of July 11, 2021.
The campaign for his freedom has intensified following recent allegations of mistreatment and new charges. Thirteen international human rights organizations called in 2022 for governments with representation in Cuba, the UN, and the OAS to press for his release. Today, with Washington's denunciation, the case is back at the center of international debate.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Maykel Osorbo
Why is Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is in prison for his activism and for being a co-author of the protest anthem "Patria y Vida". He was sentenced in 2022 to nine years in prison on charges such as "outrage against the symbols of the homeland," "contempt," and "defamation of institutions and heroes." Many international organizations recognize him as a prisoner of conscience, denouncing that his trial was a political retaliation for challenging the Cuban regime.
How has the international community responded to the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo?
The international community has condemned the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the European Union, and the U.S. Department of State, among others, have recognized him as a prisoner of conscience and have demanded his release. Furthermore, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has determined that his imprisonment is arbitrary and has called for his immediate release, although the Cuban regime has ignored these recommendations.
What is the current situation of Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is facing an intensified repressive situation in prison, including isolation and assaults. Recently, he was attacked by a common prisoner who was instigated by a State Security officer, and after defending himself, he was punished with isolation in a solitary confinement cell. Additionally, he may face new charges for alleged contempt and threats, which could extend his sentence. Human rights organizations and activists continue to denounce these violations and demand guarantees for his physical integrity.
What does "Patria y Vida" represent for the Cuban opposition movement?
"Patria y Vida" is a symbol of protest against the Cuban regime. The song became the anthem of the protests on July 11, 2021, and represents the struggle for freedom and human rights in Cuba. Maykel Osorbo, as a co-author of the piece, has faced repression from the regime due to his involvement in creating this powerful artistic and political expression.
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