Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, a renowned Cuban dissident artist and musician, has arrived in Miami. His release from a five-year prison sentence came with the condition that he leave Cuba. At the Miami airport, he was greeted by supporters who cheered, sang, and took pictures. A Cuban flag with the phrase “Patria y Vida” — which translates to “Homeland and Life” — was draped around him. This anthem for Cuba’s political opposition earned him a Grammy.

The U.S. granted Alcántara parole earlier, as confirmed by his friends via social media. They shared that he accepted exile to escape persecution and to continue his artistry and activism. Alcántara helped establish the San Isidro Movement, a collective of Havana artists, writers, and musicians. His arrest took place during a public protest on July 11, 2021.

A court sentenced Alcántara in 2022 to five years for public disorder, contempt, and disrespect toward national symbols. His imprisonment was criticized by human rights groups and the U.S. government. Organizations like Amnesty International labeled him a political prisoner, a claim refuted by the Cuban government.

Alcántara was detained in a high-security prison but expected to be released recently. Advocates struggled to contact him, not knowing his status for days. The organization Cubalex filed a habeas corpus petition, seeking information on his behalf. Clarification came only when Alcántara boarded the plane on Saturday.

Upon his arrival in the U.S., Alcántara planned to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity. He brought along a broken statue of the Virgin Mary, signifying hope and healing. His supporters aim for this release to encourage freedom for fellow political prisoner Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez.