MIAMI, United States. – At least 39 artists were arrested on July 11, 2021 (11J), denounced this week by 66 organizations and 81 figures from around the world, signatories of a joint statement of condemnation of the charges brought against the dissident artists Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara.
The message was launched by PAR —Artist Protection Network at risk in Latin America and the Caribbean—, in solidarity with all those who remain unjustly detained and accused for exercising their right to free expression in Cuba.
The 66 organizations and the 81 artists also condemned “the unfounded and outrageous charges for alleged contempt, defamation and public disorder brought against the Cuban artists Maykel ‘Osorbo’ Castillo Pérez and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, for which the prosecutors have requested the death penalty. 10 and seven years in prison, respectively.
“We ask the Cuban government to drop these charges, release Castillo Pérez and Otero Alcántara and immediately put an end to the constant harassment and abuse against artists,” the letter reads.
Likewise, the document recalls that Castillo Pérez won two Latin Grammys for his song Homeland and Lifewhich criticizes the island’s regime and became a viral anthem during the massive protests of July 2021.
For his part, Otero Alcántara “has become a prominent dissident voice against the Cuban government through his powerful scenic art. Both artists are members of the San Isidro Movementa group that has staged various protests against the Government”.
“As a result of their art and activism, Castillo Pérez and Otero Alcántara have faced a sustained campaign of harassment and persecution since 2016,” the letter says.
Currently, Castillo Pérez and Otero Alcántara are being tried with a formal order to open an oral trial issued last March 8. The charges against Otero Alcántara include “insult to the symbols of the Homeland”, “disrespect” and “public disorder”; while Castillo Pérez is accused of “disrespect”, “public disorder”, “defamation of institutions and organizations and of heroes and martyrs” and “attack”.
“A review of the charges against both artists makes it clear that they are being persecuted for the exercise of their free expression. His alleged criminal conduct includes the use of the Cuban flag in a series of photos, the writing of an offensive post on social networks, criticism of government officials and the publication of memes about the Cuban head of state.
“The cases against both artists simply represent an obvious attempt to criminalize their art and opinions. The objective of these charges has never been to impart justice or allow a free and fair discourse on the problems facing the Cuban people, but rather to monitor, harass, detain and silence”, the signatories conclude.
Likewise, they denounce that “these cases are part of a broader campaign by the Cuban government to intimidate, silence and imprison artists and other creatives who dare to criticize them”, particularly those who took to the streets on 11J.
In this sense, the signatories also recall the cases of three other artists arrested on July 11, sentenced on charges of contempt: the musician Abel Lescaythe rapper Randy Arteaga and the writer and poet María Cristina Garrido.
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