They missed the 2016 Olympics and they are also missing their families. After more than 6 months in Finnish prison, Cuban players Rolando Cepeda, Luis Sosa and Osmany Uriarte finally speak up about their ordeal via gazzetta.it.

Rolando Cepeda

“What we are experiencing is terrible.

Everything that we achieved in volleyball world vanished in just a few days. I was proud to watch my teammates at the Rio Olympics in their first match against Russia and I was cheering loudly from my cell. The trial was held in a hostile environment only because we are foreigners with dark skin. Some Cuban words were not translated well. I have lost all the money I earned when I played in Greece. In Cuba, there is no Skype so my wife, mother and my two children had to go to Moscow to call me. Next week, I’ll have first birthday in jail.”

Osmany Uriarte

“I didn’t have the courage to watch the Olympic Games, it was so difficult for me. I didn’t have strength to go out and to get some fresh air. I’ve done nothing but watch movies.

There is also a hostile attitude towards us. They see us like we are the worst criminals. We need to have doors open even when we are taking a shower. I have no money to call. Our Ambassador can give us anything but there is a price for it. We will have to pay 23,000 euros within a year. The lack of freedom is a horrible experience. I miss my mother too, I even tattooed “the love of a mother is the one that lasts forever”.

Luis Sosa

“We are completely destroyed and abandoned. I didn’t have sex with that woman. We hope that our appeal will change something.”

The other 2 players in jail are Abraham Alfonso Gavilan and Ricardo Noberto Calvo Manzano.

According to this article by cubanheadlines.com last October 29th, 2016:

The five sportsmen filed their appeal with the attorney and the victim, who now have 30 days to expose their views to the new court that will take the case. Sainz said a new hearing will take place between January and March next year. He added that the five volleyball players have always received the attention of the Cuban consulate in Finland and that he met with the sportsmen and exchange views with their lawyers on the new process, and informed their relatives.

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