Maykel Castillo Pérez, a Cuban artist and political prisoner widely known as Maykel Osorbo, recently concluded a hunger strike that lasted nearly a week, during which he lost around six kilograms. Activist Anamely Ramos, one of Osorbo's closest allies, reported that he had been moved to Kilo 8 prison, located three kilometers from the 5 y Medio facility in Pinar del Río, where he was subjected to what she described as degrading treatment.
The artist shared a story from Kilo 8 about a young protester from the July 11th demonstrations whose tattoo, commemorating those historic 2021 protests, was forcibly removed.
Isolation and Intimidation
Upon returning to 5 y Medio prison, Maykel discovered that all inmates from his section had been relocated to isolate him, as authorities failed to transfer him to Oriente as planned. Now surrounded by unfamiliar prisoners, potentially informants, his safety risks have heightened. Reflecting on his situation, he remarked, “They might as well put me in solitary confinement already.”
Additionally, after his punishment ended, he experienced severe arm pain, potentially due to a ligament injury between his clavicle and shoulder, although there is no official medical diagnosis, only his account of physical discomfort.
Commitment to Truth and Support
Ramos highlighted that following the hunger strike, Cuban officials warned Maykel that their main grievance was the public interest in his plight, as well as his continued popularity both in and outside of Cuba. She asserted, "If a fly even buzzes strangely near Maykel, we’ll report it. Learn to deal with it because the only way it stops is by releasing him."
Updates on Maykel Osorbo’s health and conditions are expected in the coming days, while attention also remains on other political prisoners like José Daniel Ferrer, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, and Alexander Fábregas. This comes amid rising tensions as the anniversary of the July 11th protests approaches, as noted by Ramos in her post.
Questions About Maykel Osorbo's Situation
What led Maykel Osorbo to end his hunger strike?
Maykel Osorbo ended his hunger strike after nearly a week during which he lost approximately six kilograms. The decision followed reports of degrading treatment and concerns over his health and safety.
What are the conditions like for Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo faces isolation after the authorities moved other inmates away from his section, leaving him surrounded by unfamiliar prisoners. This raises concerns about his safety, amidst reported physical discomfort and lack of medical diagnosis.
How has the Cuban government responded to public interest in Osorbo's case?
Cuban officials have expressed frustration over the public interest and international attention to Maykel Osorbo's case, highlighting their displeasure with his continued popularity and the dissemination of information about his situation.