José Daniel Ferrer warns about a possible arrest and reiterates his commitment to the freedom of Cuba

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba denounced his potential detention by the Cuban regime and highlighted the deplorable situation of political prisoners, also calling for opposition unity and international support.


The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), delivered an emotional message through a video where he warned that he could be detained again by the Cuban regime in the coming hours.

According to his explanation, the regime's repressive forces could cut off his internet signal, raid his home, and incarcerate him due to his refusal to remain silent in the face of the abuses and crimes committed against the Cuban people.

"This may be my last communication with you," Ferrer expressed, who has been a prisoner of conscience on three previous occasions, and does not fear facing a fourth, despite having endured years of unjust imprisonment, including his sentence during the so-called Black Spring.

In his message, recorded under blackout conditions and using a rechargeable lamp, Ferrer reiterated his unwavering commitment to fight for a free and democratic Cuba, both inside and outside of prison. Just as he maintained from the very start of his recent release, the dissident does not intend to remain silent, even if that attitude costs him a return to prison.

"I refuse to let the regime silence me. I refuse to be intimidated. I will continue fighting today, tomorrow, and always while I live, whether inside or outside of prisons, for freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and well-being for my nation," he asserted firmly in his recent live stream.

Denunciation of the conditions of political prisoners

Ferrer dedicated a significant part of his speech to highlighting the deplorable conditions faced by political prisoners in Cuban jails.

In this regard, he made an urgent appeal to the international community and to Cubans in exile to coordinate efforts and ensure effective support for these prisoners, who often face hunger, illness, and extreme shortages.

There are many political prisoners in the regime's prisons dying of hunger, sick, with scabies, lacking enough soap for bathing, drinking non-potable water, in truly terrible conditions,” he reported.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of providing minimal financial assistance to cover the basic needs of these activists: "An activist who remains steadfast but does not engage in strong activism requires at least $100 a month, while a dynamic activist, who speaks out and denounces abuses from prison, needs at least $150 to survive and fulfill their role," he explained, providing details about life in the regime's dungeons.

The opponent also pointed out that the lack of coordination among the organizations providing support can lead to inefficiencies, and advocated for unity among Cuban democrats, and for closer communication to optimize the resources allocated for political prisoners.

"It is essential that organizations communicate with each other as much as possible. Working separately will never allow us to achieve truly effective results," he emphasized.

Unity as the Key for the Opposition

Another key point of Ferrer's message was the necessity to strengthen unity within the pro-democracy opposition in Cuba. According to the opposition leader, internal divisions, jealousy, and unhealthy criticism among the activists weaken the struggle against the regime and prolong the suffering of the Cuban people.

"Unity is of vital importance for our struggle. It's not just about getting along for the sake of getting along; it's about coordinating actions," he stated.

In this regard, he emphasized that all those who fight for a free Cuba must work together, setting aside personal and political rivalries.

“Why wouldn't I support and work with prominent activists like Félix Navarro, Manuel Cuesta Morúa, Berta Soler? Why not strengthen the struggle with organizations like the Fundación Nacional Cubano Americana or the Asamblea de la Resistencia?” he questioned, urging the opposition to act with love, patriotism, and courage.

Personal and international commitment

José Daniel Ferrer also reiterated his personal commitment to continue fighting for a democratic and free Cuba, even if that means facing prison again or even losing his life.

"José Daniel does not give up. He will always fight for his people and will always stand in solidarity with all those who suffer for freedom and democracy in other lands," he declared.

In his message, he expressed his solidarity with democratic countries such as the United States, Canada, and the nations of the European Union, as well as with the people of Ukraine and others facing authoritarian regimes.

Determined to freely express his opinions and political principles, Ferrer firmly condemned the dictatorships in Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, among others.

"I will always criticize, combat, and strongly condemn criminal regimes that trample on the rights and freedoms of their peoples," he emphasized.

Call to action and hope

Finally, Ferrer emphasized the importance of José Martí's legacy, recalling that January 28 marks the anniversary of the birth of the Apostle of Cuban independence.

It also mentioned a demonstration organized in Washington, D.C., in which members of UNPACU and other pro-democracy activists will participate, including his daughter Marta Beatriz Ferrer.

"I am one of those dreamers who dreams of healthy worlds, where there are no dictators and we live as brothers," concluded Ferrer, reaffirming his willingness to return to prison or even give his life for a free and democratic Cuba.

If this is my last communication, know that I will never stop fighting for the Martian dream of a Cuba for everyone and for the good of all, concluded Ferrer in his broadcast.

Filed under:

Iván León

Degree in Journalism. Master's in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic School of Madrid. Master's in International Relations and European Integration from the UAB.

Iván León

Degree in Journalism. Master's in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Diplomatic School of Madrid. Master's in International Relations and European Integration from the UAB.