The Rafto Foundation welcomes the release of Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara

-We are deeply relieved that Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is finally free after years of unjust imprisonment. He has endured immense hardships during his imprisonment yet remained steadfast in his commitment to freedom of expression and human rights. His release is welcome news, says Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt, Executive Director of the Rafto Foundation.

The Rafto Foundation notes that Otero Alcántara's release has come under deeply troubling circumstances. He has effectively been forced into exile and is unable to continue his peaceful work as an artist and human rights defender in Cuba.

The Rafto Foundation stresses that Otero Alcántara's release must not distract attention from the many political prisoners who remain behind bars in Cuba and will continue to call for their immediate and unconditional release.

-Freedom of artistic expression is a fundamental human right that must be respected. We urge the Cuban government to immediately end the persecution of artists and human rights defenders, says Kobbeltvedt.

While welcoming Otero Alcántara's freedom, the Rafto Foundation underlines the seriousness of the circumstances surrounding his release.

-The Cuban regime cannot continue to use political prisoners and human lives as bargaining chips in negotiations with other states. Forced exile is not justice, and it cannot replace genuine respect for fundamental human rights, says Kobbeltvedt.