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The Supreme People's Court of Cuba denied the Habeas Corpus appeal filed on behalf of opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who has been imprisoned for over four months after completing his sentence.
On Monday, December 16, the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC) was notified of a response dated December 5, which violates the law and unlawfully extends the imprisonment of the activist, according to Martí Noticias.
The Habeas Corpus appeal, submitted because Ferrer completed his sentence of four and a half years on August 13, was rejected by the Supreme Court five days after the legal deadline set by Law 143 for summary proceedings.
The lawyer Manuel Cuesta Morúa, a member of the CTDC, reported that the Supreme Court not only responded late but also distorted the facts and the terms of the resolutions from the Municipal Court of Santiago de Cuba, in a clear attempt to keep Ferrer in prison.
Cuesta Morúa explained that the Supreme Court misrepresented the reason for the revocation of the measure imposed on Ferrer, which led to the prolongation of his imprisonment.
According to the lawyer, the Supreme Court incorrectly stated that Ferrer is still serving his sentence, even though it had already ended over four months ago.
In light of this situation, the CTDC filed an appeal with the Special Chamber of the Supreme Court, requesting an objective review in accordance with the law regarding Ferrer's case. The organization urged the Cuban government to release the opposition figure, who has been unjustifiably imprisoned for an additional 124 days.
José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was arrested in October 2019 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the crime of "injuries." He was released under precautionary measures in April 2020, but his freedom was revoked in July 2021 after he attempted to participate in anti-government protests in Santiago de Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer and the Human Rights Situation in Cuba
Why did the Supreme Court of Cuba deny habeas corpus to José Daniel Ferrer?
The Supreme Court of Cuba denied habeas corpus to José Daniel Ferrer, incorrectly arguing that he is still serving his sentence, despite it having ended on August 13, 2024. This decision unlawfully extends his imprisonment, according to reports from the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC).
What is José Daniel Ferrer's current situation in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is currently in a high-security prison under inhumane conditions, enduring torture and physical assaults that have deteriorated his health. He has been kept incommunicado and has had no regular access to family visits or phone calls for months.
What actions have international organizations taken regarding the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
International organizations have condemned the human rights violations against José Daniel Ferrer and other political prisoners in Cuba, demanding their immediate release. The European Parliament and officials from the United States have called for sanctions and specific measures against the Cuban regime.
What role does José Daniel Ferrer's family play in his defense?
The family of José Daniel Ferrer, especially his sister Ana Belkis Ferrer and his wife Nelva Ortega, has been instrumental in denouncing the inhumane conditions of his imprisonment. They have used social media and international outlets to raise awareness of his situation and demand justice and freedom for Ferrer.
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