The renowned artist and former political prisoner, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, has highlighted corruption as the central issue plaguing Cuba's government, criticizing the privileges enjoyed by its leaders amidst widespread public deprivation. In an interview published on Saturday, October 10, by the Argentine newspaper LA NACION, the leader of the San Isidro Movement also recounted the abuses he faced during his imprisonment and expressed hope for political change.
Contrasting Privileges and Daily Hardships
Otero Alcántara criticized the luxurious lifestyles he attributes to the relatives of Miguel Díaz-Canel and other government elites, while many Cubans struggle to obtain basic necessities like food, clean water, and medicine. He argued that resource scarcity has fueled corrupt practices, even in accessing healthcare, as those who can offer money or incentives are more likely to receive medical attention.
The activist painted a grim picture of hospitals lacking electricity, schools unable to conduct classes, and families resorting to potentially contaminated water sources. He described the situation as "a true genocide," a term he used to emphasize the severity of the shortages faced by the populace.
Otero Alcántara also dismissed the notion that the U.S. embargo is the root cause of Cuba's crisis. He recalled that political repression was already present when the Soviet Union provided substantial resources to Havana. However, he acknowledged that the sanctions have not been effective in ending the regime and called for international pressure that includes Europe, Latin America, and Africa, not just the United States.
Recounting Prison Hardships
In conversation with journalist Daniel Helft, Otero Alcántara shared that he spent his initial months in prison under harsh conditions. He claimed that guards removed a makeshift mattress during the day and repeatedly woke him at night, forcing him to strip. He also stated that his family and partner were subjected to strip searches during visits.
Detained during the July 11, 2021, protests, the artist noted that his detention conditions improved as international attention on his case increased. After serving nearly five years, he was released in July 2026 and subsequently left Cuba. He currently resides in Miami.
Hope for Democratic Transformation
From exile, the founder of the San Isidro Movement asserted that Cuba's civil society has gained momentum since the 11J protests, with demonstrations now including citizens without prior political activism. While he believes the regime is weakening, he acknowledged that a democratic transition would be complex, requiring oversight and support from international institutions.
The interview took place in Washington, where Otero Alcántara attended the 2026 Democracy Award ceremony by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), as reported by CiberCuba in September. Among the awardees is rapper and political prisoner Maykel Osorbo, who remains incarcerated on the island.
Addressing Cuba's Political Issues and Future
What does Otero Alcántara identify as the main problem in Cuba?
Otero Alcántara identifies corruption as the primary issue in Cuba's regime, highlighting the disparity between the privileges of the ruling elite and the hardships faced by the general population.
How does Otero Alcántara view the U.S. embargo's impact on Cuba?
He rejects the idea that the U.S. embargo is responsible for Cuba's crisis, noting that political repression existed even when the Soviet Union supported Cuba. He calls for broader international pressure involving multiple regions.
What experiences did Otero Alcántara share about his imprisonment?
Otero Alcántara described being held in punitive conditions, including being deprived of a mattress and subjected to nighttime disturbances by guards. He also mentioned that his family faced invasive searches during visits.
What are Otero Alcántara's hopes for Cuba's future?
He is hopeful for a democratic transition in Cuba, acknowledging that it will be complex and require international support. He observes that civil society has become more active since the 11J protests.