Independent artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara has managed to communicate via phone with Cuban activists, confirming that he endured a 10-day hunger strike. The information was shared on social media by Yanelys Nuñez, who has been actively denouncing the plight of Otero Alcántara and other political prisoners in Cuba.
According to Nuñez, Otero Alcántara had been incommunicado for 20 days. During a phone call, he revealed that his silence was due to a hunger strike he had been conducting for over 10 days while imprisoned in Guanajay. He stated that he is currently recovering, although the full impact of the strike on his body remains unknown as he has not received adequate medical attention.
During the protest, he experienced severe health issues, including urinating blood, which has caused significant concern among his close ones. Despite his deteriorating physical and mental state, resulting from three years of unjust imprisonment, Otero Alcántara continues to resort to peaceful protest as a means to demand his freedom.
Otero Alcántara was arrested on July 11, 2021, while attempting to participate in anti-government protests that day in Cuba. He has emerged as a key dissident figure against the Cuban regime from his home in the San Isidro neighborhood, where he led several hunger strikes and artistic expressions challenging the island's totalitarianism.
On February 7, a tribunal denied his request for conditional release, ruling that he must remain in prison. He has been incarcerated since the July 11, 2021 protests and is serving a five-year prison sentence.
Key Details About Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's Hunger Strike
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's latest hunger strike and his current situation.
Why did Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara go on a hunger strike?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara went on a hunger strike to protest his unjust imprisonment and demand his freedom. He has been a vocal critic of the Cuban regime and uses peaceful protest to draw attention to the issues of political repression in Cuba.
What health issues did Otero Alcántara experience during the hunger strike?
During the hunger strike, Otero Alcántara experienced severe health issues, including urinating blood. This has raised significant concern among his family and supporters about his overall health and well-being.
What is Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara's current legal status?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara remains in prison after a tribunal denied his request for conditional release on February 7. He is serving a five-year sentence following his arrest during the July 11, 2021, anti-government protests in Cuba.