US Grants Humanitarian Parole to Cuban Dissidents as Rubio Demands Release of 700+ Prisoners

The United States has granted humanitarian parole to two high-profile Cuban dissidents: artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who arrived in Miami on July 19 after serving a five-year sentence, and musician Maykel Castillo Pérez ('El Osorbo'), who remains imprisoned. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Otero and demanded the release of over 700 political prisoners in Cuba. Source: CNN, Infobae

Otero's Release and Exile

Otero Alcántara, leader of the Movimiento San Isidro, was released from prison on July 7 but held incommunicado until U.S. authorities approved his parole. Cuban authorities reportedly conditioned his freedom on leaving the country, a pattern seen with other dissidents. Source: El País, ABC His arrival at Miami airport was met with supporters chanting the national anthem; he vowed to continue fighting for Cuba's freedom. Source: El Mundo

Parole for Maykel Osorbo

The Observatorio de Derechos Culturales Cubanos (ODC) announced that a similar humanitarian parole was approved for Maykel Castillo, co-author of the protest anthem "Patria y Vida." Castillo is serving a nine-year sentence and was recently transferred to the Guanajay prison. Source: Infobae The U.S. action is based on the political nature of his imprisonment, though Cuban authorities have not indicated whether he will be allowed to leave. Source: Diario Libre

Rubio's Demand and International Pressure

Secretary Rubio called on the international community to end "business as usual" with Cuba and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners, citing over 700 individuals. Source: Clarín, Milenio However, some organizations estimate the number exceeds 1,300. Source: El Mundo The U.S. has intensified sanctions, including blocking Venezuelan oil shipments, while Cuba accuses Washington of aggression. Source: CNN