Manolín Expresses Gratitude to Luis Manuel Otero for His Bravery

This past Saturday, Manolín, known as "El Médico de la Salsa," shared an emotional video on Facebook dedicated to Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. In the video, he expresses his gratitude to Otero twice: first, for standing up against the oppressive regime during the July 11, 2021 protests, and second, for candidly sharing the truth about the special treatment he received during his five-year political imprisonment in Cuba.

"Otero Alcántara, this is Manolín speaking. Welcome back to freedom. We owe you gratitude twice over. First, for having the courage to confront the dictatorship directly. On that day, July 11, you could have lost your life; thankfully, you didn't, but it cost you five years of your liberty," the singer states in the nearly two-minute video.

Revealing the Reality of Prison Life

The second acknowledgment is directed towards Otero Alcántara's honesty in publicly sharing his prison conditions, including the preferential treatment granted by the regime at Guanajay prison. These revelations sparked significant debate among the Cuban exile community.

"You disclosed the privileges the dictatorship decided to give you. Because a prisoner doesn't choose his prison regime. You were kidnapped, a prisoner," Manolín emphasized.

The Regime's Manipulative Tactics

For the musician, this selective treatment is a strategic move by the regime to manipulate international perception. "The dictatorship, in a calculated manner, destroys some political prisoners and favors those who are public figures to deceive global public opinion. This shows a level of malevolence beyond what people imagine," he remarked.

Manolín also apologized to Otero Alcántara for the criticism some compatriots directed at him, quoting José Martí: "Truth is never indecent. To those urging you to lie, tell them no; you don't know how to do such things, that you speak the truth, that you're a brave, noble, and sincere man."

The Struggle for Freedom Continues

Otero Alcántara, a prominent figure from the San Isidro Movement, was arrested during the most significant anti-government protests in Cuba since 1959. He was sentenced to five years for charges of contempt, public disorder, and disrespecting national symbols. His sentence was to end on July 9, 2026, but he was unexpectedly released two days prior without notification to his family or lawyers, an act Amnesty International labeled as a "forced disappearance."

The artist arrived in Miami on July 18 with an individual humanitarian parole, describing his departure bluntly: "I was expelled from Cuba." When asked about his statements regarding his prison treatment, he declared firmly, "I had to be honest."

Among the comments on the video, many supporters praised Manolín's stance and Otero Alcántara's bravery, while some questioned whether the activist's honesty could be used by the regime as propaganda.

Manolín’s Continued Critique of the Regime

Manolín, whose real name is Manuel González Hernández, is a leading figure in the 1990s Cuban timba music scene. The regime banned him from radio and television due to his critical views. In 2026, he has vocally criticized the ongoing political imprisonments in Cuba, labeling the island's rulers as a disgrace.

The video concluded with a message of recognition and respect for whatever path the activist chooses: "Welcome back, and now choose the life you want. If you wish to continue fighting for freedom, we keep fighting. And if you wish to pursue your art... whatever you decide, choose freely. We are indebted to you. To the battle, compatriot." Otero Alcántara, for his part, has already indicated his intention upon arriving in Miami: "I'm going to keep fighting."