The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) awarded its 2026 Democracy Award to three Cuban activists—Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Castillo Pérez (Maykel Osorbo), and Félix Navarro Rodríguez—during a ceremony at Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington in Virginia. This event was part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Among the awardees, only Otero Alcántara was able to attend the ceremony. The founder of the San Isidro Movement arrived in Miami last July under humanitarian parole after serving a five-year sentence imposed by the Cuban regime.
Maykel Osorbo's award was accepted by rapper and activist Eliécer Márquez Duany (El Funky), who traveled to Washington for the occasion.
"I am in Washington with the honor and responsibility of accepting the NED Democracy Award on behalf of my brother Maykel Castillo Pérez," El Funky shared on social media. "A recognition of a great patriot who has paid a very high price for defending Cuba's freedom."
Despite the U.S. government approving a humanitarian parole for Osorbo last July, he remains imprisoned in Cuba. The Cuban regime refused to allow his release, and the musician, co-author of "Patria y Vida," is serving a nine-year sentence.
Félix Navarro's award, at 73 years old, was received by José Daniel Ferrer García, founder of UNPACU and a recipient of the NED Democracy Award in 2009.
Ferrer did not hold back in his praise for his fellow activist: "I am certain there is no one in Cuba, the entire continent, or the planet who deserves this Democracy Award, the Sakharov Prize, and even the Nobel Peace Prize more than he does."
Navarro's four-decade-long resistance journey continues as he remains imprisoned in Agüica Prison, located in Colón, Matanzas. He was temporarily released in January 2025 through Vatican mediation, but the regime revoked his freedom in April of that same year, returning him to prison. In April 2026, reports surfaced of a severe beating he endured while incarcerated.
The Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC) commended the recognitions and demanded the immediate release of the two activists who remain behind bars.
"No one should be imprisoned for exercising their rights, expressing their ideas, or peacefully defending freedom and democracy," the organization stated in a release.
The United States Embassy in Cuba also joined in the commendation and seized the opportunity to make a direct appeal to the regime: "Maykel Castillo 'Osorbo' and Félix Navarro are still imprisoned. Their activism is not a crime. Release them now, along with all others unjustly jailed."
At the same ceremony, the NED awarded the Democracy Service Medal to Belarusian human rights defender and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, and the Freedom Champions Award to Senator Chris Coons. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart is set to receive his award at a later date.
FAQs on Cuban Activists and the 2026 Democracy Award
Who received the 2026 Democracy Award from NED?
The 2026 Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy was given to Cuban activists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel Castillo Pérez (Maykel Osorbo), and Félix Navarro Rodríguez.
Why is Maykel Osorbo still imprisoned in Cuba?
Despite receiving a humanitarian parole from the United States, the Cuban regime refused to release Maykel Osorbo, who remains incarcerated, serving a nine-year sentence for his activism.
What is significant about Félix Navarro's activism?
Félix Navarro has been a stalwart of resistance for over four decades. His dedication to advocating for democracy and human rights in Cuba has made him a symbolic figure in the struggle against the Cuban regime.