Human Rights lawyer Tamara Suju has demanded proof of life for Cuban rapper and political prisoner Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo, who is currently detained on the island. "He is in grave danger today, imprisoned and isolated after being assaulted by a fellow inmate. Maykel claims they want to kill him in jail," said Suju, who is also the director of the Casla Institute, which has launched the campaign #SponsorAPoliticalPrisoner.
Suju added that the rapper's family "wants to know his physical condition after the assault," and mentioned that the prisoner's daughter recently had to leave the island out of fear. She highlighted that Osorbo is a beneficiary of the Casla Institute's campaign and reminded that he is a singer and Grammy winner for the song "Patria y Vida". The Casla Institute, based in Madrid, Spain, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the defense of human rights, especially in Latin America.
On May 18, activists from several countries marked the third anniversary of Osorbo's imprisonment. He was accused by the regime of assault, resistance, and contempt, and sentenced to nine years in prison. Amnesty International for the Americas reiterated their call for the immediate and unconditional release of Osorbo, who was detained in 2021.
Eliexer Márquez Duany, better known as El Funky, who was detained by Cuban authorities on the same day as Osorbo and released days later, remembered his comrade with an extensive post on Instagram. "His crime was telling the truth about his life, about his people, and singing those truths," said El Funky, recalling the events from three years ago. He noted that "on May 18, 2021, Maykel Castillo (Osorbo) was taken from his home in Old Havana without a shirt and without shoes," and shared several photos.
In June 2022, the musician and one of the most prominent faces of activism in Cuba was sentenced alongside Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara to nine and five years in prison, respectively. Both were convicted of alleged acts of contempt for the national symbols, disrespect, defamation of institutions and organizations, and of heroes and martyrs, assault, resistance, and public disorder, according to a statement from the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic of Cuba.
From prison, Osorbo has reported the regime's efforts to destabilize him physically and psychologically. Recently, Osorbo was brutally beaten in prison to the point where he nearly lost an ear.
Key Details About Maykel Osorbo's Imprisonment
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding Maykel Osorbo's current situation and imprisonment in Cuba.
Why is Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo was imprisoned on charges of assault, resistance, and contempt by the Cuban regime. He was sentenced to nine years in prison.
What has Amnesty International said about Maykel Osorbo?
Amnesty International has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Maykel Osorbo, emphasizing that he is a political prisoner.
Who is Tamara Suju, and what is her role in Osorbo's case?
Tamara Suju is a human rights lawyer and director of the Casla Institute. She has been actively demanding proof of life for Maykel Osorbo and advocating for his safety and release.