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The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer reported in statements to Martí Noticias that his home in Santiago de Cuba is under attack and that the Cuban authorities are intimidating those who provide him with any form of service. According to Ferrer, "the political police are trying to use individuals with mental disorders and excessive alcohol consumption to threaten my family, to threaten me, to attack my home, and to stone our house when we have no electricity."
The coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), who was released last January after nearly four years in prison, stated that the reprisals also affect the people who assist him in daily activities. "They are targeting anyone who, in one way or another, comes to our home, anyone who provides us with any service. I cannot pay for any service because they threaten those who offer me any kind of help," Ferrer affirmed. He detailed that even a motorcyclist who recently transported him was intercepted and intimidated by State Security agents.
Ferrer, declared a "prisoner of conscience" by Amnesty International, pointed out that these acts of harassment are part of a strategy to isolate him and limit his opposition activities. On social media, the opponent shared his complaint, reiterating that he will not yield to the regime's pressures and will continue to fight for democracy in Cuba.
Last weekend, Ferrer welcomed the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Cuba, Mike Hammer to his residence, where they discussed for several hours the political situation on the island and the importance of international solidarity with the Cuban people. This meeting has heightened the surveillance around his home, which had already been under constant monitoring by the political police since his release.
Hammer also heard testimonies from others affected by repression in Cuba, including relatives of political prisoners. This type of gathering has been interpreted by the regime as a challenge, which could explain the increase in repressive actions against Ferrer.
Since his release, Ferrer has reiterated his commitment to the peaceful struggle for democracy on the island. In his first statements after leaving prison, he urged Cubans not to fear the regime and to unite in a common front to put an end to oppression and misery. However, his activism has been constantly hindered by the harassment from the authorities, who seek to limit his ability to mobilize.
Ferrer’s reports coincide with an increase in repression on the island, where the government continues to employ intimidation tactics to silence dissenters. This repressive pattern also extends to the family members and associates of activists, who are subjected to threats and reprisals to force their isolation.
Ferrer has called on the international community not to ignore the situation in Cuba and to redouble efforts to protect opponents and political prisoners. His case exemplifies the human cost of repression on the island and the importance of global solidarity with those fighting for freedom and human rights.
The situation of José Daniel Ferrer highlights the challenges faced by opposition leaders in an environment of constant surveillance and harassment. Despite the threats, Ferrer has made it clear that he will not abandon his commitment to democracy and freedom in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer and His Struggle for Democracy in Cuba
Why is José Daniel Ferrer such a significant figure in the Cuban opposition?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent opposition leader in Cuba, known for his steadfastness in the fight for democracy and human rights. As the coordinator of the Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), he has faced multiple imprisonments and persecutions, being internationally recognized as a "prisoner of conscience" by Amnesty International. His activism and commitment to a free Cuba have made him an emblematic figure of the resistance against the Cuban regime.
What kind of reprisals does José Daniel Ferrer face from the Cuban regime?
José Daniel Ferrer has denounced that he faces constant harassment and persecution from the Cuban regime. This includes threats against those who visit or provide services to him, attacks on his home, and increased surveillance. The authorities seek to isolate him and limit his opposition activities, using intimidation tactics to silence his voice and that of his collaborators.
How has José Daniel Ferrer responded to the threats and reprisals from the regime?
José Daniel Ferrer has reaffirmed his commitment to the peaceful struggle for democracy in Cuba, despite the threats and reprisals. He has urged Cubans not to fear the regime and to unite to put an end to oppression. Ferrer has called on the international community not to ignore the situation in Cuba and to intensify efforts to protect dissenters and political prisoners.
What role does the international community play in the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
The international community, including governments such as that of the United States, has expressed its concern over the persecution faced by José Daniel Ferrer and has called for the protection of his integrity. International organizations and human rights defenders have called for increased pressure on the Cuban regime to ensure Ferrer's safety and the release of all political prisoners on the island.
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