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The head of the United States Embassy in Havana, Mike Hammer, once again demanded that the Cuban government release all political prisoners.
In a message shared on his X account after speaking by phone with the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, Hammer emphasized his critical stance towards the regime for repressing citizens merely for demanding their rights.
"It was a pleasure and an honor to speak with José Daniel Ferrer. I hope to visit him in Santiago de Cuba. It's time to free all political prisoners," he expressed.
The head of the U.S. diplomatic mission celebrated the release of Ferrer after three and a half years, a request that this office repeatedly emphasized in his case and that of all Cuban political prisoners, disseminating the messages from the State Department's campaign "Why prisoners?".
"José Daniel Ferrer has finally been released! I am happy for him and his family. I hope to meet with him soon," celebrated the diplomat on January 16 at X.
Hammer expressed great confidence that there would be more releases: "We are awaiting more good news regarding the other political prisoners."
However, the regime seems to have suspended or at least slowed down the process of release, as warned by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
The organization expressed its "utmost concern" after confirming that, as of 1:00 PM last Tuesday, no new prisoners of conscience had been released, despite Havana announcing this measure as an agreement with the Vatican, rather than a negotiation with the United States.
Frequently asked questions about the release of political prisoners in Cuba
Why does the head of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba demand the release of political prisoners?
The head of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, demands the release of political prisoners due to the repression by the Cuban regime against citizens who simply demand their rights. Hammer has been critical of the regime for this repression and has persistently called for the release of all political prisoners as part of a broader campaign by the State Department.
What is the current status of the releases of political prisoners in Cuba?
The process of releasing political prisoners in Cuba has been suspended or slowed down, according to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights. Despite the initial release of 553 prisoners announced by the Cuban regime, the process has been characterized by a lack of transparency and appears to have come to a halt following Cuba's reinstatement on the list of state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S.
What role has the Vatican played in the release of prisoners in Cuba?
The Vatican has mediated in an agreement with the Cuban regime for the release of prisoners, which included the freeing of 553 individuals. Pope Francis described this gesture as "a gesture of great hope", emphasizing the role of Vatican diplomacy in this process. However, criticisms have been raised regarding the lack of transparency in the releases.
What has José Daniel Ferrer said about his release?
José Daniel Ferrer, after being released, criticized the agreement that led to his release, deeming it an undignified negotiation. Ferrer has emphasized that he would rather die in prison than owe his release to an agreement that benefits the regime. Furthermore, he has urged Cubans not to be afraid to fight for a free and just Cuba.
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