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The Cuban artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, incarcerated since 2021 in the maximum-security prison of Guanajay, stated that he will emerge from prison “more beautiful and mature,” despite the physical deterioration he has experienced during his confinement.
In an extensive interview granted to his friend, journalist Carlos Manuel Álvarez, for the independent media El Estornudo, Otero reflected on the time he has left of his sentence —he must serve five years in prison until July 2026 for the fabricated crimes of "offending national symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder"— and on the challenges he will face upon regaining his freedom.
"I have to deal with anxiety and the question of what will happen. Those who wait, despair," he acknowledged.
The leader of the Movimiento San Isidro explained that his health conditions have deteriorated during the confinement that began on July 11, 2021, with episodes of chikungunya, skin infections, and intestinal problems, but he emphasized that he remains steadfast in spirit: “I believe I am a being who does not have the capacity to hate. I am careful not to hate, so that the darkness around me does not affect me,” he underscored.
The artist also mentioned that in his cell he has accumulated more than four thousand drawings, resulting from these years, and that he is working on performance projects that he plans to showcase upon his release.
"Art is what has saved me and also what has sunk me," he confessed in statements obtained by Carlos Manuel Álvarez via telephone.
Regarding the immediate future, he acknowledged the dilemma between staying in Cuba or going into exile.
"I have to think about which decision is better, whether to stay or to go. Not what is best for me, but for the people," he said, while expressing his desire to continue contributing to the cause of freedom on the island.
The artist, who has become one of the most visible faces of Cuban dissent, believes that his imprisonment was an inevitable outcome in the context of the repression by the Cuban regime.
"If we live in an authoritarian regime, of course you're going to end up in prison. I shouldn't be in prison, but if this is the consequence we must pay for our freedoms, I will come back one, ten, and twenty times, including facing death," he explained.
Just under a year away from a possible release, Otero is aware that Cuba and its environment will have changed, but he assures that he is prepared: “I will come out looking better. I am ill, but strong. I am neither a better nor worse person, but I am someone who is more mature,” he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and His Situation in Cuba
Who is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and why is he in prison?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a Cuban artist and activist, leader of the San Isidro Movement, imprisoned since 2021 on fabricated charges of "outrage against patriotic symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder." His detention is considered arbitrary by human rights organizations, which denounce his imprisonment as an act of repression due to his activism in defense of freedom of expression in Cuba.
What is the health status of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is facing a delicate health condition due to issues such as skin herpes, intestinal parasites, and chikungunya, which has led to a significant physical decline. Despite this, he maintains a positive spirit and a strong mind, but his situation is concerning and requires appropriate medical attention, which has been denied to him.
What impact has the imprisonment of Otero Alcántara had on the international community?
The case of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has had a significant impact on the international community, generating solidarity and recognition. He has received awards such as the Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent, and his detention has been condemned by the UN and various human rights organizations, which demand his immediate release and denounce the repression of the Cuban regime.
What future awaits Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara following his possible release?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is facing a dilemma about whether to remain in Cuba or go into exile following his possible release in 2026. Although his surroundings and the country will have changed, he is ready to continue fighting for freedom on the island, whether from within or outside of Cuba, and to pursue his artistic and activist work.
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