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The American senator Rick Scott spoke with the Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer hours after his release, following three and a half years in prison in Santiago de Cuba.
Scott, the senator from the State of Florida, expressed that it was an honor for him to speak by phone with Ferrer and hear firsthand his account of what the regime did to him.
"I am very proud of your resilience," he expressed on his X account.
The Republican Party member celebrated that the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) is doing well and is back with his family.
"José Daniel MUST remain free and safe. I will continue to fight until all political prisoners are released," he emphasized.
Rick Scott has been one of the most concerned American politicians about Ferrer's situation during his time in prison, after he was arrested on July 11, 2021, when he tried to join the massive protests in Santiago de Cuba.
In March of last year, he demanded that the regime provide proof of life for the renowned activist, worried about his safety amid rumors of a possible assassination in Cuba and in the midst of massive protests in the country.
In July 2022, a year after his imprisonment, Scott described Joe Biden's attitude towards the situation of the political prisoner as shameful and accused him of ignoring his suffering.
The senator urged the president to demand an urgent humanitarian medical visit for Ferrer, who was being held in isolation and subjected to physical and psychological torture by the regime.
"I will not allow the suffering of José Daniel and the Cuban people to continue to be ignored. José Daniel's family reports that his health is deteriorating rapidly and that the henchmen of Castro/Díaz-Canel are subjecting him to horrific and frequent torture. Despite all of this, his conscience and courage have not wavered. His response has not faltered, and he continues to proclaim: DOWN WITH THE DICTATORSHIP, DOWN WITH DÍAZ-CANEL, DOWN WITH THE CASTROS," commented the Republican politician.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why was José Daniel Ferrer imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer was imprisoned on July 12, 2021, after attempting to join the anti-government protests on July 11 in Cuba. His detention was part of the Cuban regime's response to these massive demonstrations demanding an end to the dictatorship and better living conditions. Furthermore, Ferrer has been a staunch opponent of the communist regime, which has led him to face multiple imprisonments and reprisals.
What have José Daniel Ferrer's conditions been like in prison?
During his imprisonment, José Daniel Ferrer has faced inhuman conditions and torture. He has been subjected to beatings, prolonged isolation, and restrictions on contact with his family. Ferrer has reported physical and psychological torture, and has suffered health problems due to the deplorable conditions in prison. These abuses have been reported by his family and international human rights organizations.
How has the international community reacted to Ferrer's situation?
The situation of José Daniel Ferrer has generated widespread international condemnation. Politicians, human rights organizations, and foreign governments have demanded his release and condemned human rights violations in Cuba. The government of the United States and political figures such as Rick Scott have been especially vocal in his defense, urging the Cuban regime to free Ferrer and other political prisoners.
What measures has Senator Rick Scott taken regarding Ferrer?
Senator Rick Scott has been an active advocate for José Daniel Ferrer, expressing his concern for his situation and fighting for his release. Scott has strongly criticized the Cuban regime and has urged the United States government to take firmer action to demand the release of Ferrer and other political prisoners. He has used his platform on social media to keep attention on Ferrer's case and the repression in Cuba.
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