Over the years, I’ve asked, “Why do people in unfree societies do things that they know will land them in prison, with the attendant torture and deprivation?” They just do. They feel compelled to do so. It’s strange, but also wonderful, and it’s often a boon to others.

Today, I wrap up my journal from the Oslo Freedom Forum, and I mention a Cuban street artist: Danilo Maldonado, known as “El Sexto.” (This has nothing to do with “sexting,” I hasten to say.) He received a prize at the Freedom Forum, but in absentia, for he is in prison.

Why? Well, our friends the Castros don’t need much of a reason, but here’s what El Sexto did: Wanting to evoke Orwell’s Animal Farm, and the relevance of that story to Cuba, he took two pigs and named one Fidel and the other Raúl.

Yes, that’ll do it.

He has been sentenced to three years in prison — “three years for two pigs,” as his supporters say.

I asked Berta Soler, the leader of the Ladies in White, “Is El Sexto so brave that he’s a little crazy?” No, said Berta: He is simply trying to assert his right to express himself. Cubans should have the same rights as people in the United States or any other democracy.

True, but they don’t. Anyway, it’s sometimes hard to understand the courage of people, but one can marvel at it, and celebrate it.