Human rights group files petition over Cuban artist's prison status

A human rights organization operating from outside Cuba has filed a habeas corpus petition demanding information on the whereabouts of a dissident artist removed from Guanajay Prison on 7 July. State Security agents took the artist from the prison to an undisclosed location, and his current status remains unknown, according to the organization.

Legal action and deadline The organization stated that judicial authorities now have 72 hours to respond to the petition. The filing comes amid what the group described as a situation of vulnerability and lack of protection. The artist, 38, was arrested on 11 July 2021 while attempting to join a protest against blackouts.

A court sentenced him in 2022 to five years in prison on charges of public disorder, contempt, and disrespect toward national symbols.

Background on detention The Cuban government does not recognize the artist as a political prisoner, though organizations such as Amnesty International have designated him as one. Since the 2021 protests, authorities have increased scrutiny of individuals who criticize the government on social media.

Last week, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations held up a photo of the artist during a debate about the U.S. embargo against Cuba.