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The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, recently released by the regime after more than three years in prison, has revealed that he received a police summons at his residence in Santiago de Cuba.
Ferrer, leader of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), stated in a message shared on social media that he will not comply with the order and expressed his strong rejection of the authorities' harassment.
“I’m not going anywhere”, Ferrer affirmed, reiterating his stance of not collaborating with what he describes as repressive strategies of the Cuban regime.
“If the intention is to threaten me with returning to prison, you are wasting your time. For the freedom and well-being of my people, I would even give my life. I am not afraid of prison,” he stated.
The document, issued by the Second Station of the National Revolutionary Police in Santiago de Cuba, summons you to appear on January 28, 2025, at that police unit located in Vista Alegre.
Ferrer was released on January 16, 2025, after spending three and a half years in prison. His release came as part of an agreement between the Cuban regime, the Vatican, and the United States, which included the gradual release of 553 political prisoners.
In his first statements after leaving prison, he sent a message of strength and hope to the Cubans, urging them to lose their fear because "the oppressor is becoming increasingly scared."
He stated: "Do not be afraid to fight for a free, just, 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."
After his release, Ferrer criticized the agreement that facilitated his release, stating that he feels no gratitude towards "any undignified process or negotiation that ultimately benefits the dictatorship."
He expressed his concern that, although some political prisoners may be released, the regime could imprison more people in the future and use these releases as bargaining chips in international negotiations.
Upon returning home to Santiago de Cuba, Ferrer noted significant changes in the country, such as empty streets due to mass emigration, as Cuban families are constantly seeking food.
Despite his release, he is aware that he could be imprisoned again at any moment, but he remains steadfast in his commitment to fight for a free and democratic Cuba.
The release of Ferrer has been celebrated by political leaders, such as U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar and Senator Rick Scott, who highlighted his bravery against the Cuban regime and emphasized that the fight for complete freedom in Cuba continues.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer and Repression in Cuba
Why won't José Daniel Ferrer comply with the police summons in Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer rejects the police summons because he believes it is part of the repressive strategies of the Cuban regime. In a message shared on social media, Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), stated his strong determination not to cooperate with what he describes as an attempt to harass by the authorities.
What was the context of José Daniel Ferrer's release?
José Daniel Ferrer was released following an agreement between the Cuban regime, the Vatican, and the United States, which included the gradual release of 553 political prisoners. Despite his release, Ferrer criticized the agreement, stating that he feels no gratitude towards a process that could benefit the regime in the long run, as they may imprison more people in the future.
What message has José Daniel Ferrer sent to the Cubans following his release?
José Daniel Ferrer has urged Cubans to not be afraid to fight for a free, just, and prosperous Cuba. In his statements, he encouraged his fellow countrymen to stand up to the oppressor, emphasizing that the regime is becoming increasingly weak and that together they can achieve significant change in the country.
How has the international community responded to the situation of José Daniel Ferrer?
International leaders have expressed their support for José Daniel Ferrer and have celebrated his release. Figures such as U.S. Senator Rick Scott and the head of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer, have highlighted his bravery and emphasized the need to continue fighting for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.
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