• Urgent Action

Urgent Action: CUBA: PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE MAYKEL OSORBO IN DANGER (Cuba: UA 76.23)

August 24, 2023

Maykel Castillo Pérez, also known as “Maykel Osorbo” is a Cuban musician and prisoner of conscience who has faced constant harassment and arbitrary detentions. On May 18, 2021, state security agents arrested him at his home. In June 2022, he was sentenced to nine years in prison. Since April 2023, there are reports that indicate that he has been threatened by fellow inmates in his detention area, and the Cuban authorities have not ensured his safety.

TAKE ACTION: 

  1. Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.

  2. Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 76.23. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

    CONTACT INFORMATION:

    Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba
    Hidalgo Esq. 6, Plaza de La Revolución, CP 10400, La Habana, Cuba
    Email: [email protected]

    Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera
    Embassy of Cuba
    2630 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
    Phone: 202-79-8518
    Email: [email protected].

    SAMPLE LETTER:
    Dear President,

    I am writing to bring attention to the case of the musician Maykel Castillo Pérez, who has been subjected to unjust detention, harassment and violent threats while in prison.

    According to information received by Amnesty International, Maykel has resorted to extreme measures, such as sewing his mouth shut, as a form of protest against the violent threats by fellow inmates and security officers in the prison since April 2023.

    His family informed Amnesty International that Maykel’s current health status is a significant concern. He suffers from swollen lymph nodes, and unfortunately, the prison authorities have not provided transparent and trustworthy medical diagnoses, adding to the uncertainty and fear surrounding his well- being.

    Amnesty International sent an open letter to your office on May 18, 2023, highlighting the threats Maykel’s had received and asking for his immediate release. Regrettably, as of now, no response has been received regarding this matter.

    Maykel Castillo Pérez is a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

    I strongly urge you to take immediate action and order the unconditional release of Maykel Castillo Pérez. Furthermore, I ask you to protect Maykel from the harassment and threats he is receiving in prison.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: