Dissident artists go on trial, face years in prison
TWO DISSIDENT artists went on trial in Cuba on Monday, facing years in prison after being arrested last year following protests, according to other activists.
Prosecutors are seeking a 10-year sentence for rapper Maykel Castillo and six years for artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, according to art curator Claudia Genlui.
Both were involved with a group known as the San Isidro Movement – named for the neighbourhood where Otero Alcántara lives – that had attracted unusually wide support among prominent Cuban artists and musicians in 2020.
Otero Alcántara was arrested on charges of public disorder in July 2021. Castillo, also known by his stage name Osorbo, was arrested in May 2021 on charges of disrespect and resisting authority.
Officials did not confirm the trial was taking place, but a police guard was posted at the court and half a dozen European diplomats had gathered in hopes of entering. Usually, only family members of the defendants are allowed.
PROSECTED FOR POLITICAL ACTIVISM
While officials did not comment this time, in the past they have said people were being prosecuted for breaking the law rather, than for political activism.
Castillo was among the composers of the song Patria y Vida – Fatherland and Life – which won a Latin Grammy Award this year and has become a sort of anthem for critics of the communist government. It’s a twist on the official slogan, ‘Fatherland or Death!’
Otero Alcántara had became known for works featuring the Cuban flag in ways that some considered disrespectful.
Both men were arrested before the two days of widespread demonstrations in July 2021 protesting shortages, power outages and the government.