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In a new episode of its discrediting campaign against the political opposition, the Cuban regime attacked activists José Daniel Ferrer and Rosa María Payá in an article published this Friday in the newspaper Granma, the official organ of the Communist Party.
Under the title "Counter-revolutionary activists demand double blockade against Cuba", the text labels both opponents as “mercenaries” and accuses them of urging the European Union to support economic sanctions against the Island.
According to the official text, Ferrer and Payá reportedly requested during a hearing at the European Parliament to "strengthen the economic embargo against their own country."
In the author's words, both "are part of what is known as the 'paid opposition'," which he accuses of "demanding more coercive measures, intensifying the blockade, and even military aggression to overthrow the Government."
The article continues with a tirade filled with ideology and aggression. "Aligned with Washington, they seek the same old thing: to weaken the Revolution and ensure the filling of their hungry pockets, threatened by the funding restrictions decreed by the White House."
Rosa María Payá is also accused of "receiving funds from the U.S. administration" and, along with Ferrer, seeking to suspend the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between Cuba and the European Union.
In one of the most virulent paragraphs, the text states that "it is incredible how perverse the soul of those who, for money, are capable of causing so much pain to their own people is [...] The mercenaries, for there is no other way to call them, try to raise the stakes [...] in exchange for a glimpse of approval from their masters."
The leader of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), José Daniel Ferrer, responded from his official account on X (formerly Twitter), denouncing the orchestrated nature of the attack.
"Here is the best proof that the furious attacks and slanders against @RosaMariaPaya and against myself [...] originate from the orders of the tyranny of @DiazCanelB. [...] The regime felt it wasn't enough and decided to attack from its official organ, @Granma_Digital. [...] The headquarters of the @DamasdBlanco and #UNPACU are surrounded by repressive forces."
This article from Granma is part of a long tradition in which the regime utilizes state media as tools of defamation to delegitimize dissent. Instead of offering a democratic debate on the criticisms expressed by the activists, it resorts to personal disqualification, ideological manipulation, and the criminalization of activism.
Rosa María Payá was recently nominated as a candidate for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) by the government of the United States, which was met with strong rejection from the regime. This nomination is seen as a recognition of her efforts in defending the civil and political rights of Cubans.
Additionally, she has participated in various hearings before the European Parliament, where she reiterated that the situation in Cuba is one of “imposed hunger and misery” and denounced the arbitrary imprisonment of hundreds of political prisoners.
Additionally, she has insisted that the international community must stop "supporting the dictatorship" and instead focus on empowering Cuban civil society.
José Daniel Ferrer, for his part, was released on January 16 of this year, after three and a half years of total and arbitrary isolation.
Since his release from prison, he has continued his political and social activism, facing the constant repression from the oppressive forces of the Cuban regime.
Recently, reported a complete internet service outage in the Altamira neighborhood, in Santiago de Cuba, where the main headquarters of UNPACU is located, following the visit of a team of journalists from the international agency Reuters.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repression of Dissenters in Cuba
Why does the Cuban regime attack José Daniel Ferrer and Rosa María Payá?
The Cuban regime targets José Daniel Ferrer and Rosa María Payá because they are prominent figures of the political opposition, who seek to denounce human rights violations in Cuba and promote international sanctions against the Cuban government. These attacks aim to delegitimize their work and silence their efforts for democratic change on the island.
How does José Daniel Ferrer respond to the accusations of the Cuban regime?
José Daniel Ferrer responds to the accusations from the Cuban regime, denouncing the orchestrated nature of these attacks, attributing them to direct orders from the tyranny of Miguel Díaz-Canel. On his social media, Ferrer emphasizes that the regime uses these tactics to discredit his work and divert attention from the internal crisis facing the country.
What measures has the Cuban regime taken to suppress opponents like Ferrer?
The Cuban regime has intensified repression against opponents like José Daniel Ferrer through constant surveillance, arbitrary detentions, internet cuts, and harassment of their surroundings. These actions aim to limit their ability to communicate and their humanitarian work, as well as to intimidate those who support them.
What has been the international reaction to the repression in Cuba?
The international community, particularly the United States, has expressed its concern over repression in Cuba, denouncing the regime's tactics to silence dissenters. There have been calls for global solidarity to protect activists, and diplomatic pressure has been urged to ensure the safety of dissidents and their surroundings.
How does repression affect Ferrer's humanitarian work in Cuba?
Repression severely impacts the humanitarian work of José Daniel Ferrer by hindering the distribution of food and medical care to vulnerable individuals in Santiago de Cuba. The police cordon and constant surveillance make it difficult to assist those in need, reflecting the serious humanitarian crisis facing the island.
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