Following the arrival in the United States of Afro-Cuban visual artist and prisoner of conscience Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, after nearly five years of unjust imprisonment in Cuba, Ana Piquer, Amnesty International’s Americas Director, said:
“Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara’s arrival in the United States brings an end to years of unjust imprisonment and underscores the harm caused by the Cuban authorities, as well as the state’s responsibility for imprisoning him solely for exercising his human rights. Luis Manuel should never have spent a single day in prison. What he endured will remain a symbol of how the Cuban government has used the criminal justice system to punish art, dissent and freedom of expression.
“While it is a relief that Luis Manuel is free, it is essential to remember that his exile is an extension of the punishment imposed on those who dare to think differently, create freely or denounce human rights violations in Cuba. Everyone must be able to live freely, express themselves and participate in public life without being forced to leave their country.
“Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara leaves Cuba after years of persecution, arbitrary imprisonment and deterioration of his health while in state custody. His departure from the country must be accompanied by full guarantees for his safety, dignity and right to continue creating, speaking out and defending human rights without threats or reprisals against him, his family or those around him.
“The Cuban authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience, including Maykel Castillo Pérez ‘Osorbo,’ as well as Sayli Navarro Álvarez, Félix Navarro Rodríguez, Loreto Hernández García, Donaida Pérez Paseiro, Roberto Pérez Fonseca and everyone unjustly detained for political reasons in Cuba.
“The international community must maintain pressure until no one in Cuba is imprisoned, surveilled, threatened or forced into exile for exercising their human rights.”
Background
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was sentenced on June 24, 2022 to five years in prison on charges including “contempt,” “public disorder” and “insulting national symbols,” in proceedings linked to his artistic expression, social media posts, criticism of the Cuban government and participation in peaceful protests. Amnesty International designated him a prisoner of conscience and repeatedly called for his immediate and unconditional release.
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