The vice president of the People's Supreme Court, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, defended the revocation of the parole of Cuban dissidents José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, justifying the decision by alleged violations of the conditions imposed after their early release.
During a television appearance, Sosa Ravelo explained that, although the meetings of the activists with the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Havana and their "defiant" posts on social media are not the direct cause of the revocation, those actions will be investigated by other relevant authorities.
"These two individuals have maintained during this time a presence on social media and in their social circles that is confrontational, in the sense that they have been calling for disorder and defiance against the authorities, and they have met with the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States... it will be up to the relevant authorities to investigate them and create the corresponding file," he stated.
The measure against Ferrer and Navarro comes just months after they received early release benefits, as part of a judicial policy that, according to official figures, benefited 553 individuals sanctioned for various crimes between January and March.
However, the regime insists that both opposition members violated the conditions of their release.
In the case of José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), he is accused of failing to appear before the enforcement judge of the People's Municipal Court of Santiago de Cuba on January 28 and February 7.
This is complemented by his own public statement on social media, in which he announced that he would not attend the court to validate a process he deems illegitimate.
For his part, Félix Navarro, 72, a former prisoner from the Group of 75 and leader of the Partido por la Democracia Pedro Luis Boitel, was accused of leaving his municipality without authorization on seven occasions, violating the conditions set by the court following his release.
"In blatant disregard of the law, on seven occasions he left his municipality without seeking authorization from the execution judge of the Municipal People's Court of Perico," states the official note from the regime, released by state media.
Despite the legalistic language used by the authorities, human rights organizations and numerous citizens on social media are denouncing that the revocation is driven by political motivations, aiming to silence dissenting voices.
Critical messages describe the measure as “arbitrary use of the law,” “institutionalized repression,” and “a bargaining chip of the regime.”
Journalist José Raúl Gallego wrote: “Hitmen. They create the law to suit their needs and use it as they see fit. They revoke it to silence them and then use it again as a bargaining chip.”
Even from diplomatic channels, the measure has sparked backlash. The U.S. Department of State expressed its condemnation of what it considers an unjust detention and brutal treatment of Ferrer, his family, Navarro, and other pro-democracy activists.
The regime, for its part, does not conceal the political background of the action. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos F. de Cossio stated on X that Cuba has "the right to protect itself from the aggression of the United States" and accused the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana of acting as an activist who encourages Cubans against their government.
Both opposition leaders have historically been key figures in the Cuban democratic movement, and their imprisonment once again highlights the use of the judicial system as a tool for political control.
Frequently Asked Questions about the revocation of liberty for José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro
Why was the parole of José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro revoked?
The vice president of the People's Supreme Tribunal, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, justified the revocation due to alleged violations of the conditions imposed following their early release. José Daniel Ferrer failed to appear before the judge on two occasions and Félix Navarro left his municipality without authorization on seven occasions. However, human rights organizations are denouncing political motivations behind the decision.
What reactions has the revocation of freedom for Cuban dissidents generated?
The measure has generated backlash both on social media and in diplomatic circles. The U.S. State Department strongly condemned what it considers an unjust detention and brutal treatment of Ferrer and Navarro. Moreover, activists and citizens have labeled the measure as "institutionalized repression" and "arbitrary use of the law."
What role does the international context play in the situation of Cuban opponents?
The international context, especially the relations between Cuba and the United States, influences the situation of the opponents. The Cuban regime accuses U.S. diplomats of interference and uses repression against opponents as a bargaining chip in international negotiations. The releases and revocations are part of a political strategy aimed at controlling internal dissent while managing external pressure.
What is the political background behind the revocation of Ferrer and Navarro's freedom?
The Cuban regime has used the judicial system as a tool for political control against opponents. Ferrer and Navarro are key figures in the democratic movement in Cuba, and their re-imprisonment seeks to silence dissenting voices and send a message to other activists. This action occurs in a context of tension with the United States and an intensification of internal repression.
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