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Mike Hammer, head of the United States Embassy in Cuba, celebrated on Thursday the release of the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who had been imprisoned for three and a half years.
“José Daniel Ferrer has finally been released! I'm happy for him and his family. I hope to meet with him soon,” the diplomat emphasized on the social media platform X.
Furthermore, he expressed great confidence that there will be more releases in the coming hours: “We are looking forward to more good news regarding the other political prisoners.”
The release of Ferrer was confirmed this Thursday by his sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, through her social media.
"I am Ana Belkis Ferrer García. They have released my brave brother José Daniel Ferrer García. FREEDOM for EVERYONE," the family source wrote on social media.
Previously, the activist Rosa María Payá had anticipated the circumstances surrounding Ferrer's release from prison.
“I just spoke with José Daniel Ferrer. The oppressors had to release him from prison because he did not accept conditions for his freedom. Firm and ready to continue the fight until the freedom of Cuba! Heart of a hero! What pride!” wrote Payá on the social network X.
In his first statements after being released from prison, Ferrer sent a message of strength and hope to the Cubans, urging them to overcome their fear because “the oppressor is increasingly afraid”.
“To my people, to the Cubans on the island and also to those in exile, who are an integral part of our nation, my message is simple, straightforward, and comes from the heart,” said Ferrer at the beginning of his statements to Martí Noticias.
"Do not be afraid to fight for a free, fair, and prosperous Cuba; do not be afraid to work for a better future for all Cubans, so that we do not have to seek freedom and better living conditions in other lands," he stated.
"Do not be afraid to confront the oppressor, for the oppressor is increasingly scared, becoming weaker with each passing moment. The more we look him in the eye, confronting him with dignity, decorum, and courage, the shorter his existence will be, the less time he will have in power, the fewer abuses he will be able to commit, and the fewer outrages he will continue to perpetrate," he added.
Ferrer said that together "we can make Cuba change, we can put an end to oppression, misery, hunger, widespread poverty, and give Cuba and the Cuban people what we should have always had: a happy Cuba, a free Cuba, a just Cuba, a prosperous Cuba."
Nearly thirty Cuban political prisoners, among whom is Luis Robles Elizastigui and other demonstrators from July 11, were released in the first 36 hours following the agreement reached by the regime in Havana with the United States through the Vatican.
The Cuban government announced on January 14, 2025, the gradual release of 553 individuals who were serving sentences for various offenses.
Frequently asked questions about the release of José Daniel Ferrer and the situation of political prisoners in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why was he imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban opposition leader and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He was imprisoned on July 11, 2021, during the anti-government protests in Cuba, charged with offenses deemed arbitrary by various human rights organizations.
How was José Daniel Ferrer released?
José Daniel Ferrer was released following an agreement between the Cuban regime and the United States, mediated by the Vatican, which included the gradual release of 553 prisoners. Ferrer, however, was freed without accepting conditions for his release, reaffirming his commitment to the fight for human rights in Cuba. His release was confirmed by his sister Ana Belkis Ferrer and celebrated by the head of the United States Embassy in Cuba.
What message has José Daniel Ferrer sent after his release?
José Daniel Ferrer, in his first statements after being released from prison, urged Cubans to not be afraid to fight for a free, just, and prosperous Cuba. He emphasized that the oppressive regime is increasingly weak and that it is possible to change the situation in Cuba through peaceful resistance and the unity of the Cuban people.
What has José Daniel Ferrer reported about his conditions in prison?
Ferrer has reported being a victim of torture and physical abuse in prison. He stated that he was brutally beaten by Cuban regime soldiers and suffered inhumane conditions during his incarceration, including extreme isolation and lack of medical care. These allegations have been supported by his family and international organizations.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
Despite the recent agreement for the release of 553 prisoners, the situation of political prisoners in Cuba remains critical. Many still face inhumane conditions and suffer reprisals for their opposition to the regime. International organizations continue to demand their total and unconditional release.
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