Imprisoned Rafto Prize Laureate Honored by Hundreds of People in Bergen
On Sunday evening, the Rafto Prize 2024 was presented to Cuban artist and human rights defender Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara. He is still imprisoned in Havana under very challenging conditions for having used his art and freedom of expression to criticize the Cuban regime.
From the heart, with tears in my eyes, truly, on behalf of everyone, thank you very much.
Published: Sunday november 10, 20.55
On Sunday evening, hundreds of people in Bergen participated in a torchlight procession to honor this year's Rafto Prize laureate, Cuban artivist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara (36).
Alcántara received the prize for his long-standing and courageous fight for freedom of expression through art in Cuba.
Since Alcántara remains imprisoned in Havana, he was unable to attend the ceremony in Bergen. Luckily, we were joined by his close supporter and colleague, Yanelys Nuñez Leyva, to share insight to his cause.
Leyva expressed the significance of representing Alcántara during the celebration in Bergen. "It means a lot to me, to Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, and to the entire Cuban population to receive this prize," Leyva told Bergens Tidende.
Empty Chair in Front of a Full Auditorium
Before the torchlight procession, a full auditorium at The National Stage witnessed a tribute ceremony for this year's Rafto Prize laureate.
An empty chair on stage symbolized the absence of the honoree himself. Both in the ceremony and in the work leading up to it, we have gotten voice recordings from Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, in one of which he made it clear what receiving the Rafto Prize means to him.
– "From the heart, with tears in my eyes, truly, on behalf of everyone, thank you very much," said Alcántara.
– "This prize gives us the breath of life. This is a prize for artists and activists from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba. For all those artists who are lost in the world and often feel disoriented, but who believe that art can change the world, and who, under military boots, sometimes lose faith," the prizewinner continued.
– Freedom for Luis
After the torchlight procession, the volunteer student leaders of the Rafto Foundation made a powerful appeal to those gathered in front of Den Nationale Scene.
– "Dear Luis, we wish you could see all the people gathered here today, who are fighting for your freedom. Freedom for Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara," the student leaders said to the crowd.
