Mike Hammer, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, paid a visit to the independent art space "Lavandería" in Havana last Friday. During his visit, he took the opportunity to emphasize the need for the release of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo, whom he referred to as unjustly imprisoned artists.
"It was a pleasure to meet artists Ilse Antón Rodríguez and Rafael Pérez Alonso at their gallery 'Lavandería.' We discussed the crucial role of the independent art community in a nation's life and the essential nature of freedom of expression and thought," the U.S. Embassy shared on its social media platform X.
The embassy further reiterated its call for the release of Otero Alcántara and Osorbo, using the hashtags #MSI and #Todos to highlight their plight.
Independent Art in Cuba: A Struggle for Expression
Located in Havana's Playa municipality, Lavandería is one of the few independent art spaces that continue to operate on the island, despite the Cuban regime's restrictions on unofficial culture. Hammer has previously expressed optimism that Cuba will soon achieve the freedom it has lacked for 67 years.
Political Tensions and Prisoner Threats
Hammer's visit comes at a time of heightened tension for Cuban political prisoners. On March 28, State Security agents threatened Otero Alcántara and fellow inmates Daniel Alfaro Frías and Jorge Ayala with death.
Just days earlier, on March 24, the Artemisa Provincial Popular Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Cubalex, which sought Otero Alcántara's immediate release.
Legal Barriers and International Pressure
This situation is part of a broader context where pardons specifically exclude those convicted of crimes against security, leaving many political prisoners in Cuba without legal recourse.
As the leader of the Movimiento San Isidro, Otero Alcántara has been held in Guanajay's maximum-security prison since July 2021, following his attempt to join the historic 11J protests.
In June 2022, he was sentenced to five years for insulting national symbols, contempt, and public disorder. He began a voluntary hunger strike in December 2025 to protest his incarceration and the state of human rights in Cuba.
The U.S. Embassy had previously joined with Freedom House in a joint appeal for Otero Alcántara's release, showcasing the sustained international pressure on the Cuban regime regarding this case.
Maykel Osorbo: A Voice for Change
Maykel Osorbo, whose full name is Maykel Castillo Pérez, is serving a nine-year sentence at Kilo 5 and a Half prison in Pinar del Río. He was arrested in May 2021 and sentenced in June 2022 for assault, resistance, contempt, public disorder, and defamation. His sentence extends until 2030. Osorbo is co-author of the song "Patria y Vida."
Understanding the Plight of Cuban Political Prisoners
Who is Mike Hammer?
Mike Hammer is the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, advocating for human rights and freedom of expression.
Why are Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo imprisoned?
Otero Alcántara is imprisoned for crimes including insulting national symbols, while Osorbo was sentenced for assault, resistance, and public disorder, among other charges.
What is the significance of the Lavandería gallery?
Lavandería is an independent art gallery in Havana, representing the challenges and perseverance of non-official cultural spaces in Cuba.