Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara

Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is an art activist and champion of freedom of expression. As a leading figure of Cuba’s San Isidro protest movement, he stood alongside artists and intellectuals demanding greater freedoms amidst anti-government protests last summer. Co-author of the viral anthem “Patria y Vida,” nominated for “Best Song of the Year” at the Latin Grammy Awards, Luis was recognized as one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2021. However, his activism led to his unjust arrest on his way to a Havana demonstration in July 2021, followed by transfer to a maximum-security prison without due process. His situation mirrors that of countless other Cubans still imprisoned or facing judicial proceedings for their involvement in the demonstrations. 

Despite the challenges, Luis persists, staging a hunger strike to protest his incarceration and ongoing repression against artists in Cuba. Alcántara was one of six recipients of the 2022 Claus Impact Award for his performances addressing the critical conditions Cuban citizens face.