Cuba: Amnesty International launches book ‘Images of Rebellion’, a testament to civil resistance

Amnesty International has published the book Images of Rebellion, an extraordinary visual compilation that chronicles and celebrates the defiant spirit of civil resistance in Cuba. The book contains a poignant selection of the more than 21,000 letters and drawings sent to Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Cuban artist and prisoner of conscience, in a global outpouring of support.

Images of Rebellion is a call to action and a vibrant reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Cuba. Its 132 pages portray inspiring instances of mobilization between late 2020 and the historic protests of July 2021, as well as of the severe government repression in Cuba.

At the heart of this book are the stories of five people whom Amnesty International has named prisoners of conscience: Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez, José Daniel Ferrer García, Loreto Hernández García and Donaida Pérez Paseiro. Their personal accounts are a powerful testament to the struggle for justice and freedom in an increasingly repressive environment.

This book is part of Amnesty International's #CubaWithoutRepression campaign to call attention to the plight of these five individuals, mobilize global solidarity to put meaningful pressure on Cuban authorities to cease their repressive practices, and secure the release of all who have been unjustly imprisoned for exercising their human rights and demanding that those rights be respected and safeguarded.

The book launch event was held on 4 April at Amnesty International's Americas office in Mexico City. The launch kicked off a series of presentations slated for 2024 and 2025 in Mexico and elsewhere, including at national book fairs and events focusing on human rights and freedom of expression.

The book is available for free in English and Spanish in digital format at cubasinrepresion.org to reach as many people as possible with Images of Rebillion’s message of resistance and hope.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Carlos Mendoza: carlos.mendoza@amnesty.org