Anamely Ramos, activist and friend of the Cuban rapper Maykel Castillo Pérez, known as Maykel Osorbo, reported this Friday that the artist is facing a new fabricated maneuver in prison intended to provoke him and justify an increase in his sentence.
In a live broadcast from Osorbo's own page, the opposition figure claimed that it was the singer himself who called her from prison to alert her about the situation and ask her to make the complaint public.
"What they want is for him to react, to behave as he did in the past, so they can open another case against him and extend his sentence," Ramos warned, who described what happened as a strategy of State Security.
According to the activist, Osorbo has been under constant pressure for months since he was transferred to a new company within the prison. First, they attempted to isolate him by installing a surveillance camera, then they instigated confrontations with other inmates, and even there was an incident where another inmate physically assaulted him.
In that episode, Osorbo, Latin Grammy Award 2021 for the song Patria y Vida, refused to respond with violence. Nevertheless, the authorities attempted to charge him with “damage” after a struggle in which the assailant's belongings were broken.
Now, Ramos reported, they placed a high-profile inmate in the area where the artist is located, linked to a prison riot that resulted in deaths in 2006, which increases the risk of a new manufactured conflict.
"I'm not afraid of him, but it's a warning."
According to the testimony conveyed by Ramos, Osorbo was clear in his message: “I am not afraid of that prisoner, I am not afraid of anyone, but this is a warning because I know what they want to achieve”.
The activist held the Cuban authorities responsible for any reprisals or incidents that may arise from these provocations. “They know that Maykel is not alone, that he still has influence, that people care about him and will support him, yet they still insist on putting him at risk,” she emphasized.
Maykel Osorbo, one of the voices of the opposition anthem Patria y Vida, is serving a nine-year sentence for charges of "contempt, assault, and public disorder."
International organizations and human rights NGOs have denounced the political nature of their imprisonment and demanded their immediate release.
The case brings back to the forefront the situation of political prisoners in Cuba and the harassment tactics used in the regime's prisons to break down inconvenient figures, who, like Osorbo, continue to be symbols of resistance both inside and outside the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maykel Osorbo's Situation in Prison
Why was Maykel Osorbo imprisoned?
Maykel Osorbo was imprisoned for his activism and for being one of the authors of the song "Patria y Vida," considered an anthem of protest in Cuba. He was sentenced in 2022 to nine years in prison on charges such as "contempt," "outrage against the symbols of the homeland," and "public disorder," in a process deemed political by international human rights organizations.
What tactics of repression does Maykel Osorbo face in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is facing repressive tactics such as isolation in a punishment cell, provocations from other inmates instigated by the authorities, and threats of new charges. These tactics aim to extend his sentence and break his physical and emotional resilience.
What has activist Anamely Ramos reported about Osorbo's situation?
Anamely Ramos has reported that Maykel Osorbo is facing an escalating repressive situation in prison, including physical assaults and isolation. She has held the Cuban regime responsible for any harm the artist may suffer and has called on the international community to demand his immediate release.
What has been the international response to the imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo?
The imprisonment of Maykel Osorbo has been condemned by international organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. The United States government has demanded his immediate release, describing the sentence as tyranny rather than justice. Additionally, the European Union and the European Parliament have recognized him as a prisoner of conscience.
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