Art curator and activist Anamely Ramos revealed on Thursday via Facebook that she managed to have a brief conversation with artist and political prisoner Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. The call came from a State Security cell phone with an unfamiliar number, and it was conducted on speakerphone.
“I just spoke with Luis Manuel. He called from a State Security cell phone, an unknown number, and the call was on speakerphone," wrote Ramos, marking the first direct sign of life from the artist since regime agents removed him from prison on Tuesday, July 7.
According to Ramos, the purpose of the call was for the agents to inquire about the status of the parole process that would allow Otero Alcántara to travel to the United States.
Details of the Conversation
Before answering their questions, Ramos asked Otero Alcántara about his well-being and whereabouts. He responded that he was "fine," using the tone she described as indicating he was managing "as well as possible under the circumstances." When asked about his location, he was unable to provide details, possibly because he was unaware of it himself.
“Hearing Luis's voice at a time like this is significant. However, it doesn’t ease the repression or violence, primarily against him at this moment, but also against all Cubans for such a long time,” Ramos expressed.
The Events Leading Up to the Call
The call happened two days after State Security agents removed Otero from Guanajay prison in a major operation, without notifying his family or associates. Since then, his whereabouts have been a mystery: he wasn’t found at his home in El Cerro, San Isidro, or at the residence of any close contacts.
On Wednesday, July 8, agents assured his family he would be taken to his El Cerro home, a promise that went unfulfilled. That same day, Ramos stated, "Right now, Luis Manuel is missing. He is not free. He has not been released. He is in the hands of State Security somewhere in Havana."
International Attention and Continued Uncertainty
Thursday marks the official end of the five-year sentence imposed on the artist for his involvement in the July 11, 2021 protests. The regime did not grant him a sentence reduction for good behavior nor did it include him in the presidential pardon of April 2026.
Ramos confirmed that the parole process to the United States is still underway and that Otero will remain in the undisclosed location until it is resolved. His supporters acknowledge that there is no viable alternative for him within Cuba, and Yanelys Núñez, who manages his artwork, warned that the regime might attempt to force him into exile, a tactic used with other dissidents.
The situation has drawn significant international pressure: on Tuesday, July 7, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz displayed Otero Alcántara’s photograph during an extraordinary General Assembly session, declaring that “his crime was being an artist.” Amnesty International has recognized him as a prisoner of conscience and demands his immediate and unconditional release.
Ramos urged the community to refrain from jumping to conclusions or speculating: “Luis needs not only our solidarity but also our responsibility.”
“What we have experienced and continue to experience is neither normal nor just. Therefore, we must cry out to the end: for full freedom and full justice,” she concluded.
FAQs About Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's Situation
Who is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is a Cuban artist and political prisoner known for his activism and involvement in the 11J protests of 2021.
Why was Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara detained?
He was detained for participating in the protests on July 11, 2021, and was sentenced to five years in prison.
What is the current status of his parole process?
The parole process to allow him to travel to the United States is ongoing, and he remains in an undisclosed location until it is resolved.