U.S. removes Cuba from list of countries not cooperating fully against terrorism
NBCMAY 1 2024
Jailed Cuban Dissident Leader Wins Annual Human Rights Award
Above: Protesters gather during Rally for Democracy in Cuba at Miami Dade College's Freedom Tower, in Miami on July 17, 2021. Image copyright: Al Diaz/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Otero Alcántara has organized an artists' collective to fight for freedom against Cuba's Soviet-style security state even if that meant being defamed and put behind bars. He should long have been released from prison, and hopefully, this well-deserved award will put a spotlight on his plight.
Establishment-critical narrative
Otero Alcántara has never been an artist as he pretends to be, but rather a problematic figure who used art to unashamedly disrespect the national flag. Given that he has closely worked with US-backed entities seeking to destabilize progressive countries, it's no surprise that a Western organization awarded him a prize this week.