Cuban rapper Andrés Matos Alcántara, widely known by his stage name MC K-LIBRE, has been in custody since Thursday, June 25th. His detention followed what authorities termed a routine interview at the Siboney police station in Playa, Havana, as reported by his wife to Martí Noticias.
The Cuban government accuses him of public disorder, linking him to the pot-banging protests that erupted in the Barbosa area between June 18th and 19th, triggered by power outages lasting over 30 consecutive hours.
Matos's wife, Ariacna Garcés Gómez, shared that he was summoned on Wednesday, June 25th, for what was supposed to be an interview. However, upon arrival the next day, he was immediately handcuffed and taken away in a police car without any legal documentation being provided.
"They didn’t show any arrest or search warrant. They simply handcuffed him and took him away in a patrol car," Garcés stated.
Initially, he was moved to Unit 3rd and 110, then later that night, as she was informed, to the Fifth Police Unit. When Garcés visited on Friday, she was initially told that he was not listed among the detainees.
Unfounded Allegations and Health Concerns
"They claim Matos is the leader of all the protests and pot-banging events here in Barbosa," Garcés said, firmly denying this allegation.
According to her account, the couple passed through the area of demonstrations on Avenue 25 on their way home, staying for only about 20 to 30 minutes. "There were people shouting for freedom and burning items on the street. We were there for about 20 or 30 minutes, but we did not throw stones or hit anyone," she explained.
They left before police trucks arrived due to health concerns for Matos, 39, who suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and type 1 diabetes.
"Matos is a sick man. When he has a respiratory crisis, he relies on oxygen and needs to take metformin daily," his wife said, recalling an incident where Matos fractured several ribs during a severe COPD attack: "He lost consciousness in the bathroom and fractured his ribs hitting the wall. It's a situation that still affects him."
Initially, authorities refused to accept his medications due to a lack of a medical card. Only after presenting the necessary documentation were they able to deliver metformin and a salbutamol inhaler to him.
Community and International Outcry
The NGO Cubalex issued an urgent alert, labeling the situation as a "possible short-term forced disappearance." Meanwhile, rapper Eliécer Márquez Duany, known as El Funky and famous for the song "Patria y Vida," condemned the arrest on social media using hashtags like #SOSCuba, #FreeMatos, and #LibertadParaLosPresosPolíticos.
"The regime is trying to pin a false charge of public disorder on him," El Funky wrote.
Kirenia Yalit Núñez Pérez, coordinator of the Cuban Youth Dialogue Table, warned of plans to fabricate a legal case against Matos, emphasizing his symbolic importance: "He is one of the strongest voices in Cuba's rap scene against the dictatorship. His music is reaching and resonating with young people across the country, and we are confident that this is precisely why they are trying to prosecute him."
The protests in Barbosa are part of a wider wave of unrest that reached record levels in May 2026, with the Cuban Conflict Observatory recording 1,311 protests, complaints, and critical expressions in just one month. As of the latest update, Cuban authorities have not filed formal charges or provided official information regarding the rapper's legal status.
Key Questions About MC K-LIBRE's Arrest
Why was MC K-LIBRE arrested?
MC K-LIBRE was arrested on accusations of leading public disorder during protests in the Barbosa area, allegedly involving him in activities like pot-banging demonstrations.
What health issues does MC K-LIBRE face?
MC K-LIBRE suffers from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and type 1 diabetes, conditions that require oxygen support and daily medication like metformin.
How has the international community responded to his detention?
The international community, including NGOs like Cubalex and artists like El Funky, has condemned the arrest, highlighting it on social media and issuing alerts regarding the situation.