The U.S. condemns the persecution of José Daniel Ferrer and holds the Cuban regime responsible

The United States condemned the persecution of the UNPACU leader and criticized the delaying tactics of Havana, once again demanding the release of all political prisoners.

José Daniel FerrerPhoto © Facebook / José Daniel García Ferrer

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The United States government, through the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, expressed its concern over the persecution of José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and a recognized human rights defender on the Island.

In a strong message posted on its official Twitter account, the entity stated that "the Cuban dictatorship is once again persecuting the brave pro-democracy leader, @jdanielferrer, after the regime reached an agreement with the Catholic Church to 'release' political prisoners."

The statement also emphasized that the United States will not be deceived by what they consider "games" of the Cuban regime, and made it clear that the illegitimate government of the Island will be held accountable for the treatment of Ferrer and the other unjustly imprisoned political prisoners.

Ferrer, an iconic figure in the struggle for democracy in Cuba, has been the subject of multiple arrests and legal proceedings by Cuban authorities, who accuse him of crimes that international organizations have classified as fabricated.

The leader of UNPACU was detained for months following the protests on July 11, 2021, and his health has been a cause for concern on multiple occasions. The Cuban regime released him in mid-January, and since then the opposition figure has continued to give interviews and denounce on social media the severe economic, political, and social crisis that the island is experiencing.

At any moment I could go to prison, confessed the UNPACU coordinator in an interview with CiberCuba, where he recounted the threats from the repressors who warned him that he could return to jail if he resumed his political activism.

With its stance, the United States reaffirms once again its commitment to the defense of human rights and its rejection of the repressive actions of the totalitarian Cuban regime.

International organizations and human rights advocates have also called for increased pressure on the regime to ensure the safety and physical integrity of Ferrer and the immediate release of all political prisoners on the Island.

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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.