Cuban political prisoner Maykel Osorbo, a prominent figure in the island's activist scene, has been placed in solitary confinement at the Kilo 5½ Prison in Pinar del Río. This follows an altercation with a State Security officer during a routine visit. Activist Anamely Ramos González has highlighted the conflicting messages from authorities: while prison officials claim Osorbo is on a hunger strike and in poor health, State Security attempts to assure his family that he is fine and the punishment will last only 15 days.
However, Ramos, who resides in the United States, refuses to rely on hearsay. She demands direct confirmation from Maykel himself regarding his physical and emotional state. "To be sure Maykel is alright, I need to hear his voice. No messages or threats will suffice. We want him to call on Monday to confirm his safety and to have his visitation rights restored," she stated publicly.
Concerns are mounting due to Osorbo's prior symptoms of a virus before his solitary confinement, which could worsen his health under the prison's poor conditions.
Provocation and Criminalization Tactics
Ramos also accused the regime of provoking Osorbo to create incidents that could justify additional charges. She argues that the authorities are attempting to blame the artist for his plight, using his behavior as a pretext to obscure the violence and humiliation he endures. "Maykel is unjustly imprisoned, enduring continuous humiliation and violence simply for creating a song, in a filthy prison lacking even running water in the bathrooms," she asserted.
Osorbo's history of arbitrary arrests, even as a minor, was also noted, with his defiance seen as a reflection of the Cuban people's hard-learned lessons of "pain and misery." Anamelys demands that he be allowed a phone call to verify his condition, the reinstatement of his family visits, and respect for his physical integrity, as well as an end to provocations against him.
Meanwhile, activists and human rights organizations have ramped up their warnings, holding the Cuban regime accountable for any harm that may befall the detained artist and dissident.
Key Concerns About Maykel Osorbo's Imprisonment
What are the current conditions of Maykel Osorbo's imprisonment?
Maykel Osorbo is currently in solitary confinement at Kilo 5½ Prison after an altercation with a State Security officer. Concerns about his health and safety have been raised due to prior symptoms of a virus and the prison's poor conditions.
Why is there a demand for direct communication with Maykel Osorbo?
Activist Anamely Ramos insists on a direct phone call from Maykel Osorbo to confirm his physical and emotional well-being, as conflicting messages from authorities have raised doubts about his true condition.
How are human rights organizations responding to Osorbo's situation?
Human rights organizations have intensified their alerts, holding the Cuban regime responsible for any harm to Maykel Osorbo and calling for an end to provocations and the restoration of his rights.