The Cuban rapper and political prisoner, Maykel Castillo Pérez, widely known as Maykel Osorbo, has reportedly been subjected to harsh treatment at Guanajay Prison in Artemisa. Allegations suggest that he was handcuffed and forcibly had his hair cut while multiple guards restrained him during a search conducted last Friday.
The accusations were brought forward on Monday by art curator and activist Anamely Ramos through a Facebook post. She detailed that the incident took place in the section known as "la Incrementada," where the artist has been held since July.
Allegations of Excessive Force
According to Ramos, the search involved over 30 guards from a special brigade, along with prison officials, provincial leaders of the Prison System, and State Security agents. "During the search, things got a bit violent. We lack specific details, but we know several prisoners, including Maykel, were handcuffed and forced to have their hair cut by multiple guards," Ramos recounted.
Communication Barriers for Prisoners
Ramos also highlighted the difficulties prisoners face in communicating with their families. She explained that the area housing Osorbo has been experiencing telephone issues for months and currently only has one phone that works sporadically. "Right now, there's just one phone that works, and that's only sometimes," Ramos noted, emphasizing how this hinders access to information about the prison and the artist's condition.
Osorbo's Current Status and Future Prospects
Amid speculation about his whereabouts, Ramos confirmed that Maykel Osorbo remains in Guanajay, specifically in the "la Incrementada" area. She reminded readers that Osorbo has been granted humanitarian parole to travel to the United States but remains imprisoned in Cuba. She blamed the State Security and the Cuban regime for blocking his release and departure from the country.
In her post, Anamely shared words that Osorbo reportedly sent her after the incident, directed to someone he identified as Castillo. "When my spiritual peace surpasses the limit of tranquility, suddenly an idiot appears to break it out of frustration," the message begins. It continues, "White fish, listen: sharks are in the ocean, so leave me in my 'peaceful' state and don't mess with me."
Continued Advocacy for Political Prisoners
The message concludes, "Respect yourself so you can be respected, okay? You have one up on me, you're ahead... but only for a day. Don't ferment me." In the comments, Ramos addressed those who doubt her claims and the attention she gives to the musician's situation. "I never lied. Not about Luis, and not now about Maykel. I can't force anyone to believe me, but that will never justify my silence," she declared.
Ramos vowed to continue speaking out about the plight of political prisoners and their families, regardless of the criticism she faces. "Maykel is MY FAMILY. Period. And until he is free, I'll be by his side, whether with four people supporting me or an army," she asserted.
Osorbo, known for his role in the song "Patria y Vida," was moved from Kilo 8 Prison in Pinar del Río to the maximum-security facility in Guanajay in July, without prior notification to his family about the transfer. Shortly after, the Cultural Rights Observatory and Anamely Ramos announced that the United States had approved humanitarian parole for the artist, similar to the one granted to his fellow San Isidro Movement member, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara.
Despite this, Osorbo remains incarcerated. In August, he sent an audio message from prison holding the Cuban authorities accountable for preventing his departure to the United States. "So they don't think I'm not there because I choose not to be, no: I'm not there because the regime doesn't want me there," he stated at the time.
Maykel Osorbo was arrested on May 18, 2021, and sentenced in June 2022 to nine years in prison. Amnesty International has designated him a prisoner of conscience and has called for his release.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maykel Osorbo's Situation
What are the allegations against the treatment of Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Reports claim that Maykel Osorbo was handcuffed and forced to have his hair cut by multiple guards during a search in Guanajay Prison, with allegations of excessive force being used against him.
What challenges do prisoners in Guanajay face in communicating with the outside world?
Prisoners, including Maykel Osorbo, face significant difficulties in communication due to unreliable telephone access, with only one phone operating intermittently in the area where Osorbo is held.
Has Maykel Osorbo been granted any form of relief to leave Cuba?
Yes, Maykel Osorbo has been granted humanitarian parole to travel to the United States, but he remains imprisoned in Cuba, with authorities allegedly blocking his release.