In a symbolic countdown to the anticipated end of his sentence on July 9, 2026, Cubalex and the Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Studio have called upon artists worldwide to support the final month of the Cuban artivist's imprisonment with their creative works.
Since his arrest during the historic protests on July 11, 2021, Otero Alcántara has spent nearly five years behind bars. In June 2022, he was sentenced to five years in prison for charges including "insulting national symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder." Currently, he is held at the maximum-security prison in Guanajay, Artemisa.
Ongoing Violations of Human Rights
According to Cubalex, the artist continues to suffer severe rights violations, including isolation, threats, and denial of parole, after nearly five unjust years in prison.
Legal Struggles and Potential Fabricated Charges
The legal journey towards his release has been fraught with challenges. In April, the Supreme People's Court rejected an appeal for habeas corpus submitted by Cubalex, which argued that his sentence was fulfilled counting time served in pre-trial detention and good behavior credits under Decree-Law 74. The court declined to apply these credits.
Cubalex warns of the possibility of fabricated charges to keep him imprisoned beyond July 9, a tactic previously used against other Cuban activists.
International Artistic Campaign and Public Vigil
The campaign aligns with "Momento Cero," a website envisioned by Otero Alcántara as a living artwork, marking time until his sentence concludes. Participating artists' works will be shared daily on social media as part of a global public vigil.
Despite his imprisonment, Otero Alcántara's voice remains active. In April, he penned a letter for The New York Times titled "When Will I Be Free?" and in May, he shared insights with USA Today from his cell, expressing how art serves as a tool for change: "We found a path in art, a belief that art could bring change, and thus we dedicate our art and ourselves to a transformation in Cuba."
Documentary and Broader Visibility
The documentary "We Are Connected," directed by Ernesto Fundora, was screened last Monday at Miami's Freedom Tower. Fundora described the screening as "possibly the last showing of this documentary before Luis Manuel's release, which we hope will occur according to the law, between July 9 and 15."
The campaign also sheds light on other young July 11 protestors in similar situations. "Around this same time, several young July 11 protestors are reaching the end of their sentences but remain imprisoned. Let this countdown be for them as well," Cubalex stated.
The situation is under immense pressure: Prisoners Defenders reported a new record of 1,281 political prisoners in Cuba, with 28 added in May, while the regime's April pardon of 2,010 prisoners barely touched political detainees.
"Let each image mark one less day. Let each post be a public watch. Freedom for Luis Manuel Otero! Freedom for all Cuban political prisoners!" concludes the joint call from Cubalex and the Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara Studio.
Key Questions About Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's Imprisonment
Why was Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara imprisoned?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was imprisoned for charges including "insulting national symbols," "contempt," and "public disorder" following his arrest during the July 11, 2021 protests in Cuba.
What actions are being taken to support Otero Alcántara?
Artists worldwide are participating in a campaign by creating works to support him, shared daily on social media, as part of a symbolic countdown to the end of his imprisonment.
What is "Momento Cero"?
"Momento Cero" is a website created by Otero Alcántara as a living artwork that tracks the countdown to the end of his sentence.
What are the concerns about his continued imprisonment?
There are concerns that new charges might be fabricated to extend his imprisonment beyond the scheduled release date, a strategy previously used against other activists.