The Cuban rapper and political prisoner Maykel Castillo Pérez, known as "El Osorbo," turns 41 this Tuesday while confined in the Kilo 5 y Medio prison in the province of Pinar del Río. The dissident artist spends another year behind bars due to alleged charges of insulting national symbols, disrespect, defamation of institutions and organizations, and heroes and martyrs, as well as assault, resistance, and public disorder.
Despite his incarceration, his presence remains strong, with the Facebook page “Árbol Invertido” dedicating a post to him and recalling a live broadcast in which Maykel confronted the regime over the physical well-being of his friend Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who is also imprisoned for defending his ideals and demanding freedom for Cuba.
International Recognition and Health Concerns
"His activism made him one of the most influential members of the San Isidro Movement. Maykel Osorbo made history by becoming the first political prisoner to be nominated for and win a Grammy Award,” the post reads.
The rapper, who won two Latin Grammy Awards for the song "Patria y Vida," was sentenced to nine years in prison in 2022. Recently, it was disclosed that "El Osorbo" faced health issues in the maximum-security prison. According to Martí Noticias, the artist experienced fever and headaches, though his wife, Viviani Peña, had not confirmed whether it was dengue or another virus due to the limitations within the prison.
In May, international organizations and colleagues of the rapper commemorated his third year in prison, accused by the regime of assault, resistance, and disrespect. Amnesty International for the Americas reiterated their demand for the government of Díaz-Canel to release Osorbo immediately and unconditionally, who has been detained since 2021.
Last April, he was brutally beaten in prison to the point where he almost lost an ear, as detailed by the independent media outlet El Estornudo. In an article signed by Cuban writer Carlos Manuel Álvarez and titled "Maykel Osorbo: ‘They Have to Kill Me Face to Face,’" details of the incident that occurred on April 18 in the maximum-security Kilo 5 y Medio prison in Pinar del Río are revealed.
The assault happened during breakfast hours when several inmates were protesting the food shortage after the bread ran out, the text states.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maykel Osorbo's Imprisonment
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the situation of Maykel Osorbo, his imprisonment, and the ongoing concerns for his well-being.
Why is Maykel Osorbo in prison?
Maykel Osorbo is imprisoned on charges of insulting national symbols, disrespect, defamation of institutions and organizations, and heroes and martyrs, as well as assault, resistance, and public disorder.
What are Maykel Osorbo's health concerns?
Maykel Osorbo has experienced fever and headaches, though it remains unclear whether these symptoms are due to dengue or another virus because of the limitations within the prison.
What has been the international response to Maykel Osorbo's imprisonment?
International organizations, including Amnesty International, have demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Maykel Osorbo, highlighting his unjust detention and the need for his freedom.