Cuba: Further information: Cuban prisoner of conscience released: Danilo Maldonado Machado
Cuban graffiti artist Danilo Maldonado Machado (‘El Sexto’) was released on 20 October after spending almost 10 months in prison without trial following accusations of “aggravated contempt”. Amnesty International considered him a prisoner of conscience.
Further information on UA: 214/15 Index: AMR 25/2710/2015 Cuba Date: 20 October 2015
URGENT ACTION
CUBAN PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE RELEASED
Cuban graffiti artist Danilo Maldonado Machado (‘El Sexto’) was released on 20 October
after spending almost 10 months in prison without trial following accusations of
“aggravated contempt”. Amnesty International considered him a prisoner of conscience.
Around 11am on 20 October, Danilo Maldonado Machado, known by his artistic name ‘El Sexto’, was
unconditionally released from the Valle Grande prison in the outskirts of Havana, the capital of Cuba.
On 16 October he had resumed a hunger strike to protest his detention and the failure of the Cuban authorities to
release him on 15 October as previously promised.
Danilo Maldonado Machado was believed to be accused of “aggravated contempt” after being arrested on 25
December 2014 for transporting two pigs with the names “Raúl” and “Fidel” painted on them, which he intended to
release in an art show in Havana’s Central Park.
He was never formally charged nor brought before a court during the almost 10 months he spent in detention.
Amnesty International considered him a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising his right
to freedom of expression.
Upon his release, Danilo Maldonado Machado told Amnesty International that he was “very happy to finally be with
his mum and his daughter,” and thanked Amnesty International for its pressure. His mother thanked Amnesty
International for its “grain of sand” which contributed to the release of her son.
No further action is requested of the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.
This is the fourth update of UA 214/15. Further information: www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr25/2703/2015/en/
Name: Danilo Maldonado Machado, also known as ‘El Sexto’
Gender m/f: m
Further information on UA: 214/15 Index: AMR 25/2710/2015 Issue Date: 20 October 2015