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In a new episode of repression, the Cuban regime revoked the parole of prominent dissidents Félix Navarro and José Daniel Ferrer, using legal arguments that mask political motivations.
Félix Navarro, 72 years old and former prisoner of the Group of 75, was accused of leaving his municipality without permission on seven occasions, thereby violating alleged restrictions imposed following his conditional release, reported the state-run portal Razones de Cuba.
Despite his advanced age and fragile health, the regime is returning him to prison, citing legal formalities.
"This citizen was summoned for the initial hearing on January 29, 2025, during which his legal situation, rights, obligations, guarantees, and the prohibition of leaving the municipality where he resides without authorization from the court were explained to him. However, in blatant disregard for the law, on 7 occasions he left his municipality without requesting authorization from the execution judge of the Municipal People's Court of Perico," states the official note.
For his part, José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), has also been returned to prison for failing to appear before a judge after being released in January.
"On January 16 of this year 2025, he was granted the benefit of early release. The resolution stated that he was to appear before the execution judge in the municipality where he resides on January 28 (People's Municipal Court of Santiago de Cuba), which he did not attend. He was summoned again for February 7, a call to which he also did not respond. Not only did he fail to appear, but he also communicated through his social media profile, in blatant defiance and violation of the law, that he would not comply with the judicial authority," emphasizes the regime.
The alleged charges of "illegal deprivation of liberty" and "injuries" are widely questioned by international observers who denounce processes lacking judicial guarantees.
Especially after the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged on X that the revocations were an act of "defense" of the government:
"Does Cuba have the right to defend itself against aggression from the United States, to oppose the appointment of the main American diplomat in Havana being an activist who encourages Cubans to act against their country, to enforce laws against those who act as agents of a hostile foreign power? That is the question," published Vice Minister Carlos F. de Cossio.
Ferrer had expressed on social media his refusal to participate in a judicial process that he considers illegitimate.
Both opponents are historical voices of the pro-democracy movement in Cuba and have repeatedly denounced the lack of freedoms, authoritarianism, and structural poverty on the island.
The decision, announced by the People's Supreme Court, once again highlights the use of the Cuban judicial system as a tool of persecution against those who dissent from the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Repression of Opponents in Cuba and the Human Rights Situation
Why were the parole freedoms of Félix Navarro and José Daniel Ferrer revoked?
The parole of Félix Navarro and José Daniel Ferrer has been revoked by the Supreme Court of Cuba on the grounds of having violated imposed restrictions, such as leaving the municipality without authorization. However, these decisions are internationally seen as a political maneuver by the regime to suppress dissenters.
What is the current situation of José Daniel Ferrer in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is in prison under inhumane conditions, suffering from torture and physical assaults that have deteriorated his health. He has been held incommunicado and without regular access to family visits or phone calls for months, which has been reported by human rights organizations.
What role does José Daniel Ferrer's family play in his defense?
The family of José Daniel Ferrer, especially his sister Ana Belkis Ferrer and his wife Nelva Ortega, has been crucial in denouncing the inhumane conditions of his imprisonment. They have used social media and international outlets to highlight his situation and demand justice and freedom for Ferrer.
How has the international community reacted to the repression in Cuba?
The international community, including human rights organizations and governments such as that of the United States, has condemned human rights violations in Cuba and demanded the release of political prisoners like José Daniel Ferrer. These entities have called for sanctions and concrete measures against the Cuban regime to end the repression.
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