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The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. State Department reiterated its support for Cuban opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer, one of the most prominent faces of dissent on the island, and strongly condemned the conditions under which he remains imprisoned.
“The thugs of the Cuban regime continuously repress José Daniel Ferrer, a leading voice for freedom on the island. Beaten, tortured, but never silenced, Ferrer remains behind bars in grueling conditions for demanding basic rights. We stand with him and will continue to act against the illegitimate and oppressive Cuban regime until all political prisoners are freed,” the office posted on its official account on X.
Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was returned to prison on Tuesday, April 29, after the revocation of his parole and sent back to Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, to serve an unjust sentence imposed in 2020.
After leaving prison last January as part of a negotiated agreement between the Vatican and the United States government, the regime resumed its aggressive behavior.
Various international human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the mistreatment and physical and psychological torture to which he has been subjected, as well as the lack of access to adequate medical care.
The United States has reiterated on several occasions that it will continue to apply diplomatic pressure and impose measures against the regime in Havana until the release of all political prisoners and the respect for fundamental rights on the island are achieved.
The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs itself presented its condemnation of the Cuban government two weeks ago, describing it as "tyrannical" and stating that it is determined to put an end to the oppression of the people on the island and the political prisoners.
And indeed, the United States' policy towards Cuba will continue to focus on supporting the Cuban people and applying pressure on the regime, without considering negotiations with Havana. According to the source, the Cuban government was described as a "collapsed regime, led by elderly individuals whose only goal is to maintain political control," and it asserted that they lack ideas or plans to move the country forward.
Regarding the sanctions imposed by Washington, the official defended them as a tool aimed exclusively at the island's military and security apparatus. A high-ranking official from the State Department stated this to Martí Noticias.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Situation and the Cuban Regime
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban opposition leader, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He is imprisoned for his activism in defense of human rights and democracy in Cuba. He has been a victim of torture and mistreatment in prison, and his detention has been deemed unjust by several human rights organizations and the United States government.
What is the United States' position on Ferrer's imprisonment?
The United States has strongly condemned the imprisonment of José Daniel Ferrer and has reiterated its support for his immediate release. The U.S. government considers Ferrer to be an unjustly imprisoned political prisoner and has demanded proof of life and an end to the torture against him.
What conditions does Ferrer face in Mar Verde prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is facing deplorable conditions in Mar Verde prison, where he has been subjected to torture, beatings, and denial of adequate medical care. He lives in an unsanitary environment, infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, and is forced to consume contaminated food and water.
How has the international community responded to Ferrer's situation?
The international community, including human rights organizations and governments such as the United States, has expressed concern for the situation of José Daniel Ferrer. Calls have been made for his release, and the systematic repression of the Cuban regime against political opponents and prisoners of conscience has been denounced.
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