Urgent call: stop police brutality and arbitary detention against artists in Cuba

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Urgent call: stop police brutality and arbitary detention against artists in Cuba

President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Ministry of Justice D. Óscar Silvera Martínez, Ministry of Culture D. Alpidio Alonso Grau

English | Español

Two young Cuba rappers, Denis Solis and Didier Almagro are in jail for protesting against police violence and the restriction of human rights in Cuba.

We cannot stand by and let this happen.

Denis Solis Gonzalez was violently arrested by agents of the National Revolutionary Police a few blocks from his home. At the time of his arrest, the police officers did not present Denis with a valid warrant for his arrest or the apparent reason for this measure. On November 12, he was sentenced to eight months in prison for the alleged commission of the offense of contempt.

Didier Almagro was sentenced on November 13 to three years in prison on charges of contempt of court and public disorder for participating in a peaceful protest over power cuts that lasted for hours in the province of Santa Clara.

Seven Cuban artists are hunger striking against the arrest of 32-year-old rapper and musician Denis Solis Gonzalez in Havana Cuba. Two hunger strikers Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel Osorbo have escalated their protest and are also on a thirst strike. Activist Michel Matos reported that the two on thirst strike are on the verge of multi-organ failure because they have not eaten food or drunk water for days.

We need you to stand in solidarity with cuban artists like Denis Solis and Didier Almagro, who are arrested, detained and harrased in Cuba for daring to speak up.

During 2020, Freemuse has reported an increased use of arbitrary detentions and harassment with excessive use of force and violence in the repression of freedom of artistic expression in Cuba. The arbitrary use of judiciary and extrajudiciary means by cuban authorities reflects a broader increase in repression against dissident voices. Freemuse has also registered the use of arbitrary house arrest, travel restrictions, family regulations and the misuse of state prerogatives like Decree 349 to further shrink and undermine public debate and freedom of artistic expression.

As an elected member of the Human Rights Council, Cuba must uphold the fundamental right to freedom of artistic expression and peaceful protest for all individuals in the country. We call on President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Ministry of Justice D. Óscar Silvera Martínez and Ministry of Culture D. Alpidio Alonso Grau to:

Release of Denis and Didier and the drop all charges
End police harassment and of participants in actions to support detained artists as Movimiento San Isidro members and other collectives, immediately cease.

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To: President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Ministry of Justice D. Óscar Silvera Martínez, Ministry of Culture D. Alpidio Alonso Grau
From: [Your Name]

As an elected member of the Human Rights Council, Cuba must uphold all individuals in the country fundamental right to freedom of artistic expression and peaceful protest.

On November 9, musician and member of the Movimiento San Isidro (a collective of artists that fight for freedom of artistic expression) Denis Solis Gonzalez, was violently arrested by agents of the National Revolutionary Police a few blocks from his home. At the time of his arrest, the police officers did not present Denis with a valid warrant for his arrest or the apparent reason for this measure. He was sentenced to 8 months in prison for the alleged commission of the offense of contempt

Didier Almagro a 23-year-old rapper, was sentenced to three years in prison on charges of contempt of court and public disorder for participating in a protest over power cut that lasted for hours in the province of Santa Clara. Didier was arrested and charged with contempt and public disorder and friends and family members reported that he was beaten and denied the right to speak to his family following his detention.

Peaceful protests to these arrests demanding their release have escalated in police violence and detention 32 times. The headquarters of the Movimiento San Isidro, the headquarters for 15 activists fighting for freedom of expression, have been under permanent harassment, blockade and surveillance by State Security and police agents. Members of the Movement declared a hunger strike in protest of these actions and on behalf of Denis released from jail.

We call on President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Ministry of Justice D. Óscar Silvera Martínez and Ministry of Culture D. Alpidio Alonso Grau to:

- Guarantee the right to artistic expression and freedom of association.
- End police harassment and of participants in actions to support detained artists as - Movimiento San Isidro members and other collectives, immediately cease.
- We demand an elimination criminal sanctions against individuals and groups of individuals who attempt to act collectively as artists Denis Solis and Didier Almagro.