Cuban comedian Ulises Toirac took to Facebook this Sunday to demand the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, not only highlighting Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's case but also condemning the regime’s tactics of silencing dissent through what he describes as covert kidnappings and disguised deportations.
“Not just Luis Manuel Otero, but everyone jailed for their beliefs and expression should be freed. No kidnappings and no disguised deportations,” Toirac declared in his social media post.
His statement comes right after Otero Alcántara, co-founder of the San Isidro Movement and a prominent figure in the crackdown following the July 11, 2021 protests, arrived in Miami after serving five years in Guanajay's maximum-security prison.
The terms of his release dictated permanent exile, a strategy historically employed by the regime to neutralize high-profile dissidents by barring them from continuing their activism within the country.
Cases of Persecution and Covert Tactics
Toirac made specific mention of Professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández: “No one should face persecution, harassment, or kidnapping, as frequently happens with Professor Alina Bárbara López Hernández and others.”
The historian and activist was detained by State Security on Saturday in Matanzas while attempting her monthly civic protest on the 18th, aligning with Nelson Mandela International Day.
The Role of Social Media in Cuban Activism
Toirac also criticized the divisive nature of social media and the lack of unity among regime opponents. “Social media is like a school of hatred. A breeding ground for gossip and petty disputes. It’s a drug that mixes stupidity with false bravery behind a screen,” he wrote.
He warned that this internal fragmentation ultimately serves the regime’s interests: “They shy away from the light, ignore their own shortcomings, and bicker, ultimately doing the regime’s work by fostering disunity.”
Toirac’s views align with his long-standing critique, dating back to 2026, when he described Cuba as a “labyrinth without a solution” and questioned the government’s selective pardons, which exclude those convicted of “crimes against authority,” a category used to prosecute July 11 protestors.
He concluded his post with a stark reminder of his stance: “And then they criticize me when I say this is never going to be fixed. The freedom to express an opinion comes with the responsibility to exercise it.”
Understanding Political Repression in Cuba
Who is Ulises Toirac?
Ulises Toirac is a Cuban comedian known for his outspoken views on political issues in Cuba, particularly regarding the regime's handling of dissent and political prisoners.
What is the San Isidro Movement?
The San Isidro Movement is a collective of Cuban artists, journalists, and academics who advocate for free expression and have been instrumental in opposing government censorship and repression.
What is the significance of Nelson Mandela International Day in Cuba?
Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on July 18, symbolizes the fight against oppression and injustice, resonating with Cuban activists’ struggle for freedom and human rights.