The prison authorities in Santiago de Cuba confirmed that the opposition leader and political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer García is hospitalized at the medical facility of the Boniato prison and have authorized his family to visit him "remotely."
The news comes after several reports that Ferrer had been transferred to the hospital following a beating in the Mar Verde prison, which prompted reactions from his family and international organizations, reported Radio Martí.
Since Thursday, Ferrer García's family has been trying to get direct information about his health status.
Ana Belkis Ferrer, sister of the opposition figure and resident in the United States, stated to Martí Noticias that Ferrer would be returned to the Mar Verde prison.
This Friday, his wife, Dr. Nelva Ismaray Ortega, and two of his children plan to visit him, although they were informed that they would only be able to see him "from a distance."
Ana Belkis reported that the prison authorities are restricting close contact with Ferrer, a situation she finds alarming given the recent circumstances.
The report of physical abuse against Ferrer has sparked outrage among human rights organizations and international officials.
Brian Nichols, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, voiced his concern on platform X, urging the Cuban government to grant immediate access for the family to the opposition member and to release him along with other political prisoners.
For its part, the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC), of which Ferrer was president until his detention on July 11, 2021, issued a statement condemning the aggression.
Ferrer García, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was arrested on July 11, 2021, while attempting to join the anti-government protests that spread across the island amidst demands for electricity and basic freedoms.
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