José Daniel Ferrer and his wife provide daily assistance to dozens of people in Santiago de Cuba

The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and his wife, Dr. Nelva Ismaray Ortega, have intensified their humanitarian work in Santiago de Cuba, providing daily assistance to dozens of people in vulnerable situations.

In a recent message on his X account, Ferrer detailed how he and his wife combine their charitable activities with their family life, despite the challenges imposed by the government.

“While my wife, Dr. Nelva Ismaray Ortega, takes care of patients and other matters, I attend to dozens of people throughout the day: family members of political prisoners, calls from political and common prisoners, activists who are victims of repression or facing other serious issues. As we confront the many challenges imposed by the regime, we lovingly care for our son. I am making him a taro mash. Quite expensive, by the way,” he expressed.

The shared images demonstrate Dr. Ortega's commitment to caring for those in need. In one of the photographs, she is seen tending to the wound of a little girl, while an older woman cradles her in her arms.

In another image, he is seen measuring the blood pressure of an elderly woman in an outdoor setting, while another person waits beside her.

Additionally, there is an image showing her conversing with an older woman, apparently providing medical assistance or support.

Various sectors of society have acknowledged the charitable work of Ferrer and Ortega, highlighting their efforts in a context of increasing scarcity and repression. However, their actions have been monitored by the Cuban government, which has restricted their mobility and communication on several occasions.

Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was released on January 16 after spending three and a half years in prison. His release was part of 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 has continued to face harassment from the Cuban authorities. On January 27, he refused a police summons in Santiago de Cuba, stating that he would not comply with the order and that he would not be intimidated by imprisonment.

Additionally, in February he was summoned again by the Municipal People’s Court of Santiago de Cuba, to which he responded that he does not recognize the court and that he is prepared to face the consequences of his refusal.

Ferrer has also reported the constant surveillance by the political police, including the use of drones to monitor his home in Santiago de Cuba. Despite these intimidations, he has reiterated his commitment to the fight for human rights and the welfare of the Cuban people.

In his statements, Ferrer has criticized the agreement that facilitated his release, stating that he feels no gratitude towards processes or negotiations that benefit the dictatorship. He has emphasized that he would prefer to die in prison rather than owe his release to an undignified negotiation.

This humanitarian work is not new for Ferrer. In 2021, state officials tried to prohibit UNPACU from distributing food to those in need in Santiago de Cuba, citing health reasons due to the pandemic.

Ferrer refused to comply with the ban, stating that his organization provided more medications and food than the public health system itself in the province. "Everyone who comes here will continue to receive food", he replied at that moment.

Frequently Asked Questions about the humanitarian work of José Daniel Ferrer and his situation in Cuba