US welcomes Otero Alcántara, demands Cuba free other political prisoners

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially welcomed Cuban artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara to the United States, marking a significant moment for the prominent dissident. Otero Alcántara, a key figure in the San Isidro Movement, arrived in Miami after enduring what Rubio described as "years of unjust imprisonment" by the Cuban regime.

“

Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, brave Cuban artist and leader of the San Isidro Movement, has arrived in the United States after years of unjust imprisonment at the hands of the illegitimate Cuban regime.

Rubio issued a strong statement, condemning the Cuban government and demanding the immediate release of "more than 700 political prisoners" unjustly detained. He urged the international community to cease ignoring human rights violations by the Cuban regime and to unite in demanding an end to its repression. Rubio emphasized the Trump administration's commitment to supporting the Cuban people's pursuit of freedom and democracy.

“

For daring to imagine a free Cuba, he was harassed, detained, and imprisoned on repeated occasions; today, however, he is in exile.

Otero Alcántara, who was detained in July 2021 while attempting to join anti-government protests, had been imprisoned for five years. He was recently released from Guanajay prison just before completing his sentence for charges including "contempt, public disorder, and continuous offense against the symbols of the homeland." Upon his arrival in Miami, Otero Alcántara expressed his "mission" to foster a prosperous Cuba for all its citizens and voiced sorrow over the separation of families.

“

The Trump Administration maintains its commitment to the pursuit of freedom against tyranny by the Cuban people, as well as to the support of democracy, prosperity, and fundamental freedoms.

The artist, recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, received a humanitarian parole from the U.S. The administration has intensified pressure on Havana this year, implementing measures such as cutting oil supplies from Venezuela and increasing sanctions on Cuban administration members and Gaesa, a business conglomerate owned by the Cuban military.

“

We demand the immediate release of the more than 700 political prisoners unjustly detained by the regime. The international community must stop turning a blind eye to the human rights violations committed by the Cuban regime and join us in demanding an end to its repression.