Artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is Free!
Cuba
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 July 2026
(NEW YORK) — 18 July 2026 —ARC–Artists at Risk Connection, PEN International, PEN Cuba in Exile, and Civil Rights Defenders welcome Cuban artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara’s freedom after five years of unjust imprisonment and are relieved to see him arrive safely in Miami today. This is a powerful moment after years of sustained collective advocacy—but the work is not over. We call on the Cuban government to immediately and unconditionally release Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez and all artists who remain unjustly imprisoned, and to end the criminalization, censorship, and persecution of artists for their creative expression.
“For five years, the Cuban authorities tried to imprison not only Luis Manuel, but everything he represents: the power of art to challenge fear, repression, and silence. They took away five years of his freedom and then made exile the price of regaining it, but they could not take away his voice, his courage, or his art. Today, as we welcome Luis Manuel to Miami, we celebrate a man who refused to be silenced and the extraordinary network of solidarity, in Cuba, across the diaspora, and around the world, that never stopped standing with him. Luis Manuel is free. His voice, his art, and his future are his own, and we cannot wait to see what he creates next,” said Julie Trébault, Executive Director of ARC–Artists at Risk Connection.
“Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara’s freedom is a moment to celebrate, but it also reminds us that no artist should face imprisonment or exile for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Luis Manuel’s courage has inspired countless people around the world and reminds us of the essential role that artists and writers play in defending freedom. PEN International calls on the Cuban authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Maykel ‘Osorbo’ Castillo Pérez and all artists and writers unjustly detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression, and to end the criminalisation of artistic and cultural expression,” said Romana Cacchioli, Executive Director of PEN International.
“Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara’s release from prison and forced exile is a reminder of the Cuban authorities’ ongoing efforts to silence critical voices rather than respect fundamental freedoms,” said Maria Pia Alvira, Director of the Latin America Department at Civil Rights Defenders. “The fact that Luis Manuel was forced into exile is itself a violation of his human rights, including his right to remain in and return to his own country. Luis Manuel has become a symbol of a Cuban citizenry seeking change through art and nonviolent action. While we welcome his release from prison, no one should have to choose between imprisonment and exile. Many artists and activists remain unjustly imprisoned, including Maikel Osorbo, who continues to be detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression. We call on the Cuban authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all those imprisoned for peacefully expressing themselves and thinking differently.”
Since 2022, Luis Manuel’s case has been at the heart of Voces Presas (Incarcerated Voices), the international campaign led by ARC–Artists at Risk Connection, PEN International, PEN Cuba in Exile, and Civil Rights Defenders, to expose the imprisonment, harassment, and forced exile of Cuban artists. The four organizations have worked tirelessly alongside Cuban and international human rights and cultural organizations to demand Luis Manuel’s release, keep his case in the international spotlight, and sustain pressure for his freedom. His release marks an extraordinary victory for all those who refused to let the world forget him. As Luis Manuel reunites with his friends and family and rebuilds his life and artistic practice, the campaign will continue to fight for the freedom of those who remain unjustly imprisoned in Cuba.
About ARC
ARC – Artists at Risk Connection is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues. artistsatriskconnection.org
About CRD
CRD – Civil Rights Defenders is a politically and religiously independent human rights organisation. Founded as the Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in 1982, we partner with and support human rights defenders who work in some of the world’s most repressive regions. Our vision is a world of democratic societies in which we all enjoy our civil and political rights. crd.org
About PEN International
PEN International is the foremost and largest association of writers that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression around the world. Founded in London in 1921, PEN International connects an international community of writers. PEN operates across five continents through over 130 centres, in over a hundred countries. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their work; it is also a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries. PEN International works to promote the PEN Charter to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, to impart information and ideas, to express their views, and to access the views, ideas, and literatures of others. pen-international.org