The Cuban opponent José Daniel Ferrer has once again been summoned by the judicial authorities in Santiago de Cuba, but he has reiterated his refusal to appear before the court and his willingness to face the consequences.
In a video posted on his X account, Ferrer displayed the citation he received and explained his stance: “I do not recognize the court for the simple reason that I have not committed any crime. I am waiting to be imprisoned again because I did not ask to be released on parole.”
According to the official citation issued by the People's Municipal Court of Santiago de Cuba, Ferrer is required to appear this Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. before the Control, Attention, and Influence Department, located at Calle 4ta No. 405 % Calle 15 and Calle 17, Reparto Vista Alegre. The document warns that his absence could have legal consequences.
The leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), an opposition organization fighting for democracy on the island, was released last January following the agreement reached between the regime in Havana and the United States with the mediation of the Vatican.
In that context, on January 14, 2025, the Cuban government announced the gradual release of 553 prisoners who were serving sentences for various offenses.
According to the details provided, court officials visited him to demand that he appear before the enforcement judge.
However, she returned the summons without signing it, as she does not recognize the proceedings against her: “The summons I returned, because if I receive it, I have to acknowledge receipt and I am not going to sign it, states that if I do not appear, I must face the consequences of what they may decide against me.”
Ferrer reaffirmed his fight for human rights, the well-being of his people, and the end of repression in Cuba: “My struggle is for the human rights of my people, for the well-being of my nation, to help those in need, to assist those living in extreme conditions, and to have a truly just Cuba, a Cuba for everyone and for the good of all, as José Martí dreamed.”
His statements are framed within the context of a police summons received last January at his home in the Altamira neighborhood, in Santiago de Cuba.
The opposition leader made it clear that he is not afraid of going back to prison if it means continuing to defend freedom in Cuba: “If I must return to prison for that, I will gladly return to prison and I will remain there until tyranny falls and until my people are free and stop experiencing hunger, misery, and all kinds of hardships.”
Ferrer, who has been imprisoned several times, concluded with a message of strength: “I fear neither imprisonment nor inhumane treatment. The cruelty of tyrants does not frighten my heart.”
Hours after his initial statement, the Cuban opposition figure published a message on Facebook where he revealed the deep impact that the summons has had on his family, especially on his young son: “My son Daniel José, who is 5 years old, saw and heard that they summoned his father and is very affected.”
Ferrer denounced that, if he were to be imprisoned again, his family would be exposed to a new wave of harassment and intimidation by the regime: “If I go to prison again, my wife and son would once again be subjected to the most insidious harassment,” he warned.
In his post, the opponent urged his wife to prioritize their child's well-being and emotional stability amidst uncertainty: "I asked my wife to focus on taking care of our child and his emotional health. I don't want any more extreme sacrifices from them. My own is enough."
Finally, he reiterated that he takes on his fight with determination and without fear of the consequences. “I willingly sacrifice myself for my country and for my loved ones,” he affirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer and His Situation in Cuba
Why does José Daniel Ferrer refuse to appear before the court in Santiago de Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer refuses to appear before the court because he does not recognize the legitimacy of the judicial process against him, arguing that he has committed no crime. Furthermore, he rejects the repressive tactics of the regime and expresses his willingness to face the consequences of his decision.
What consequences might José Daniel Ferrer face for failing to appear before the court?
According to the citation issued by the Municipal Popular Court of Santiago de Cuba, Ferrer's absence could have legal consequences. Ferrer has stated that, if he is imprisoned again, he will face incarceration with determination as part of his struggle for freedom in Cuba.
How does this situation affect José Daniel Ferrer's family?
The family of José Daniel Ferrer is profoundly affected by the situation. His young son has shown distress upon learning about the citation, and Ferrer warned that his family could face harassment and intimidation if he is imprisoned again. He has asked his wife to prioritize their son's emotional well-being.
What stance does José Daniel Ferrer hold regarding his fight for human rights in Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer reaffirms his commitment to the defense of human rights, the well-being of the Cuban people, and the end of repression on the island. Despite threats of imprisonment, Ferrer remains steadfast in his fight for a democratic and fair Cuba.
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