The United States government expressed its outrage over the police harassment faced by elderly and vulnerable individuals receiving food and essential items distributed by the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, head of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU).
In a message posted on X, the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State warned that the regime "should focus on taking care of its people and not on repressing them; those responsible will be held accountable."
He also expressed his support for Ferrer "while providing vital aid to the population of Santiago de Cuba."
The activist thanked for the support received and replied on the same platform with a message in which he expressed: "Thank you for such an important show of solidarity with us and with all the Cuban people."
This Wednesday, Ferrer reported that the police cordon around his home in Santiago de Cuba has been ongoing for more than 24 hours, marked by actions of "harassment, detentions, threats, and offers of 'help' to collaborators and vulnerable cases."
According to the details provided, on the previous day they managed to feed 1,281 people in need, although more than 40 were victims of "arrests and harassment" by the authorities.
Videos shared by Ferrer on Facebook show elderly individuals coming to his home to receive food, claiming that authorities are threatening them to prevent their continued attendance at the location.
The opposition member has repeatedly reported that his home in Santiago de Cuba is surrounded by police agents and plainclothes officers to obstruct the humanitarian work he performs with his team.
They are tightening the grip against UNPACU to prevent us from feeding very needy people. More detentions and attacks are expected," he stated on his social media.
UNPACU collaborators have also reported arrests when going out to buy essential products for food preparation, which directly impacts the beneficiaries of this solidarity initiative.
Ferrer has emphasized that this humanitarian effort is sustained thanks to the support of exiled Cubans who contribute resources to maintain food assistance for those in greatest need.
However, he denounces that the Cuban regime has intensified attacks against this initiative in an attempt to disrupt the distribution of food and healthcare that they also provide in coordination with his wife, Dr. Nelva Ismarays Ortega.
Frequently Asked Questions about the harassment of Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and the situation in Cuba
Why did the U.S. government express outrage over the harassment of Cubans who receive assistance from José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States government expressed its outrage over the police harassment of elderly individuals and vulnerable people receiving food and essential items distributed by José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). The United States denounced that the Cuban regime should focus on taking care of its people instead of repressing them.
What actions has the Cuban regime taken against José Daniel Ferrer and UNPACU?
The Cuban regime has intensified harassment and repression against José Daniel Ferrer and his team, including a police blockade of his home and arrests of individuals receiving assistance. These actions aim to prevent the distribution of food and healthcare to vulnerable individuals in Santiago de Cuba.
What is José Daniel Ferrer's response to the support he has received from the United States?
José Daniel Ferrer thanked the support from the United States, expressing his gratitude for the solidarity with him and the Cuban people. Despite the reprisals, Ferrer has reiterated his commitment to continue his humanitarian work and to defend human rights in Cuba.
How is the humanitarian work of José Daniel Ferrer and UNPACU sustained?
The humanitarian work of Ferrer and UNPACU is sustained thanks to the support of exiled Cubans who contribute resources to maintain food and health assistance for the most needy. This international solidarity has been essential in confronting the repression of the Cuban regime.
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