The Cuban artist and political prisoner Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is experiencing significant health issues, marking four years since his arrest in July 2021. According to recent updates shared on his social media, during his latest phone call with family members this Thursday, he revealed suffering from skin herpes, intestinal parasites, and chikungunya. These health challenges have led to noticeable physical decline and persistent fatigue.
Despite these ailments, those close to him report that he maintains a positive outlook and strong mental resolve, although they acknowledge the situation is concerning and demands attention. Otero Alcántara is currently serving a five-year sentence at the maximum-security prison in Guanajay, a consequence of his artistic and political activism advocating for freedom of expression in Cuba.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups continue to highlight the harsh conditions of his imprisonment, emphasizing that his detention epitomizes the repression faced by those who dare to voice critical opinions on the island. His family and representatives have expressed gratitude for the international support but stress the importance of maintaining pressure to bring visibility to his case and demand his release.
"This is irreplaceable time that has been stolen from him, marked by torture, illnesses, and lifelong consequences," they stated in a communiqué. This update on his health emerges amid calls from human rights advocates urging the international community to remain attentive to the plight of political prisoners in Cuba.
"Indifference is complicity," Otero’s family warns, reminding us that over a thousand Cubans remain imprisoned for political reasons. On July 11, 2021, during the anti-government protests that gripped the island, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was detained in Havana while attempting to join the demonstrations. By June 2022, he was sentenced to five years in prison for "insulting patriotic symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder."
Frequently Asked Questions About Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara
What are the health issues affecting Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is reported to suffer from skin herpes, intestinal parasites, and chikungunya, leading to significant physical deterioration and ongoing fatigue.
Why was Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara arrested?
He was arrested during the July 2021 anti-government protests in Cuba and later sentenced for "insulting patriotic symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder" due to his activism.
What is the international response to Otero Alcántara's imprisonment?
Internationally, human rights organizations and civil society groups have called for his release, highlighting the repressive conditions he faces and the broader issue of political prisoners in Cuba.