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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.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 5% chance that Cuba will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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