Isis Sierra Hernández, sister of the Cuban reggaeton artist Chocolate MC (Yosvanis Sierra Hernández), is seeking support and signatures on social media to back a petition requesting probation with rehabilitation instead of a life sentence. The family claims that the process was unjust and that the musician needs treatment, not punishment.
On her Instagram account, she shared a video where she urged the Cuban community to come together in support of her brother, who was recently found guilty in Miami for "writing or posting direct threats."
"You all know the situation we are facing. Today I come to ask you for something that is very important for my family: your signature. We are gathering as many signatures as possible to support my brother's case and to show that he is not alone. (...) For you, it takes just a minute, but for us, it means strength, support, and hope at a time when every gesture counts," said the visibly moved young woman.
In the same post, Isis explained that the link to sign can be found in her stories and Instagram profile, and invited the artist's followers to share it. Additionally, she called for a support rally on December 3 in front of the Miami courthouse, assuring that "when people come together, real things happen."
A request for probation and rehabilitation
The petition initiated by Isis was created on Change.org by Teresa María Padrón under the title “Do not condemn Chocolate MC to die in prison. We request probation with rehabilitation”, and at the time of this note, it had surpassed 6,000 verified signatures.
The text, addressed to Judge Milton Hirsch and the Miami-Dade County Prosecutor's Office, asserts that the artist was found guilty for impulsive expressions made on social media while experiencing grief and mental health issues. It emphasizes that "He didn't kill anyone" and requests a proportional sentence that includes probation and access to treatment.
The initiative emphasizes that the case “is not about a completed homicide, but about words, publications, and alleged plans made while under custody, experiencing intense emotional pain and struggling with addictions and mental health issues.” It further warns that an extreme sentence “would only destroy another life, another family, and another future,” and insists that the reggaeton artist “needs therapy, not punishment.”
A family seeking justice
The guilty verdict against Chocolate MC was delivered by a jury of seven people, following a trial in which the prosecution presented a video of the artist offering money to arrange the murder of Damián Valdez Galloso, accused of murdering the Cuban musician El Taiger. His mother, Odalis Hernández, claimed that the process was manipulated and that the defense did not present medical evidence regarding her son's mental health. In an interview with Javier Díaz, she stated that “my son is not a killer. (…) From the beginning, I provided medical reports and they were still disregarded. He is sick, he needs treatment, not punishment”.
Also, his girlfriend, Yelena Ramírez, reacted with indignation upon learning of the verdict and stated that "he has not killed anyone", labeling the trial as an injustice. The young woman further pointed out that "the real murderer is calmly out there," referring to Damián Valdez Galloso, who is still awaiting trial.
Among the voices of support was the singer La Diosa, who attended the trial as a witness and broke down in tears after leaving the courtroom. The artist stated that “Yosvani is not a murderer. He has lived under drugs, going through many crises. He is a sick man who should have received help first. (…) We cannot expect a sick person to behave like someone normal”.
The trial was presided over by Judge Milton Hirsch in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court and concluded with a guilty verdict, although the final sentencing is still pending. The magistrate warned that the offense could carry a life sentence, which has raised concerns among his family and supporters.
During the proceedings, the defense argued that the artist's expressions on social media were part of an emotional outburst without criminal intent. In contrast, the prosecution presented as key evidence the video in which the reggaeton artist claimed to have money to order the assassination of Valdez Galloso.
In recent weeks, Isis Sierra had also spoken about her brother's spiritual change while in prison, asserting that he has grown closer to God and that he "has found inner peace" despite the legal process. On that occasion, she compared him to artists like Daddy Yankee and Farruko, who also embraced the Christian faith after leaving music.
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