Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Cuban artist and prisoner of conscience, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. Although his five-year sentence officially ended on July 9, he remains in state custody, with authorities failing to disclose his current whereabouts.
The organization took to social media to address their demand directly to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel. They highlighted that without transparency regarding the activist's location and access to his family, his situation qualifies as a forced disappearance.
Otero Alcántara's Unexplained Removal
On July 7, around 5:00 PM, Otero Alcántara was removed from Guanajay's maximum-security prison in Artemisa in an operation by State Security. His family was not informed of this action. Since then, there has been no sign of him at his residence in El Cerro, Havana, or in the San Isidro neighborhood where many of his close associates live. Authorities have not provided any public information about his status.
This past Thursday, Anamely Ramos, an activist, managed to speak briefly with Otero Alcántara by phone while he remained in state custody. Although the conversation confirmed he is alive, his exact location remains undisclosed. On the same day, the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances launched an urgent action, demanding details about his whereabouts, thereby increasing international pressure on the Cuban government.
Fears of Forced Exile
There is growing concern among activists that authorities may attempt to exile Otero Alcántara without allowing him to return home first. These fears intensified when State Security agents questioned individuals close to him about his humanitarian parole status in the United States, without clarifying where he is being held. Miami has been mentioned by Otero Alcántara as a potential destination once he is freed.
A Symbol of Conscience
Otero Alcántara, founder of the San Isidro Movement, was arrested during the July 11, 2021 protests and sentenced in June 2022 to five years in prison for "insulting patriotic symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder." International human rights organizations argue that his trial was politically motivated due to his artistic and political activism.
During his last months in prison, Otero Alcántara reported increased pressure from authorities. In March, friends disclosed that State Security agents threatened his life inside the jail, prompting an eight-day hunger strike. Later, the Supreme People's Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Cubalex, and he was excluded from the pardons announced by the Cuban government in April.
Amnesty International, which has regarded him as a prisoner of conscience since 2021, concluded their statement with a firm message: "Luis Manuel should never have been imprisoned. Today, he must be free."
Frequently Asked Questions About Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's Detainment
What is the current status of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara remains in state custody despite the completion of his prison sentence. His exact whereabouts are unknown, and he is considered a victim of forced disappearance.
Why was Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara imprisoned?
He was sentenced to five years in prison for charges including "insulting patriotic symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder." However, international organizations claim the charges were politically motivated due to his activism.
What actions are being taken internationally regarding his case?
The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has initiated an urgent action to demand information on his whereabouts, increasing the international pressure on Cuba.