Activist Anamely Ramos voiced concerns on Monday regarding the whereabouts of artist and political prisoner Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who remains missing under the custody of the Cuban regime. Despite completing a five-year sentence imposed in 2022, his whereabouts are still unknown.
In a Facebook live broadcast lasting over 25 minutes, Ramos dismissed claims suggesting that the leader of the San Isidro Movement had been released, asserting that neither his family nor close friends are aware of his location.
Otero Alcántara was removed from Guanajay prison on July 7, two days before his official release date, amid a large State Security operation. Since then, his family and friends have not been able to see him, and authorities have not provided any information about his current location.
"No one has seen Luis Manuel since he was taken from Guanajay prison on Tuesday, July 7," Ramos emphasized.
The only known contact occurred on July 9, when the artist made a brief phone call using a State Security phone, closely monitored by agents.
"We haven't heard anything from Luis Manuel since that call on Thursday, from a State Security phone. It was on speaker; they were listening to everything we said," she recounted.
According to Ramos, this conversation confirmed the authorities' unwillingness to allow him to return home.
"It became abundantly clear, with sheer cynicism, that they have no intention of releasing Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara," she stated.
Criticism of International Media Coverage
During the broadcast, Ramos also criticized the way various international media outlets have covered the case, noting that some have focused on the potential release of the artist while neglecting to address the enforced disappearance that is being reported by those close to him.
"These outlets are waiting for the release to get the scoop. This is a display of irresponsibility and a profound lack of respect and professional rigor," she declared.
She also urged accredited media in Cuba to demand answers from the authorities.
"The role of foreign media is to approach Cuban government institutions, the Ministry of the Interior, and State Security to investigate why Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is not home when his sentence is over," she urged.
Challenges in Filing a Habeas Corpus
Ramos explained that on July 11, an attempt was made to file a habeas corpus petition with the Provincial People's Court of Havana, but the building was closed despite it being a working day.
The activist who went to submit the document was detained and held for two days.
Given this situation, the organization Cubalex sent the petition via email to both the Provincial and Supreme People's Courts, though it reported that official addresses were inactive or blocked messages.
The activist also called on the diplomatic corps in Cuba to assist in delivering the legal document, similar to what happened during Otero Alcántara's trial in 2022.
United Nations Takes Action
The case has been acknowledged by the United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances, which initiated an Urgent Action (AU No. 2357/2026) and requested that the Cuban state provide information on the artist's whereabouts by July 25.
Ramos noted that Otero Alcántara served his entire sentence without receiving any sentence reductions typically granted to prisoners without prior criminal records under Cuban law.
"If there were any semblance of legality in Cuba, Luis Manuel should already be at home," she asserted.
Concluding her address, she encapsulated the regime's stance on dissent with a poignant statement:
"The Cuban state, once again, cynically makes it clear that it's silence, prison, or exile."
Understanding the Disappearance of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara
What is the current status of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is currently missing under the custody of the Cuban regime despite completing his sentence.
What actions have been taken by international organizations regarding his case?
The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances has activated an Urgent Action, requesting the Cuban government to disclose his whereabouts by July 25.
How has the international media been criticized in relation to this case?
Anamely Ramos criticized international media for focusing on a potential release rather than addressing the enforced disappearance of Otero Alcántara.