The Cuban-American congressman Mario Díaz-Balart called on Thursday for the immediate and unconditional release of opposition members José Daniel Ferrer, Félix Navarro, and all political prisoners in Cuba, while directly holding the regime responsible for any harm they may suffer in prison.
Through a post on his official Facebook profile, Díaz-Balart stated: “I am deeply concerned about the well-being of the brave pro-democracy activists José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, as well as all political prisoners in Cuba, and I demand their immediate and unconditional release.”
"Any harm they suffer will be the responsibility of the regime, which must be held accountable," concluded the congressman's statement, just hours after the revocation of the parole of those opposition members.
The Republican, one of the most active advocates for the Cuban cause in Capitol Hill, has repeatedly denounced the inhumane conditions in which hundreds of Cubans are imprisoned for political reasons.
His message this Thursday is part of the increasing international demand for the freedom of political prisoners on the island, where repression has intensified since the protests of July 11, 2021.
Díaz-Balart emphasized that the Cuban regime must be held accountable before the international community for the systemic abuses it commits against its citizens.
The revocation of conditional release for the well-known opponents Félix Navarro and José Daniel Ferrer, under legal arguments that conceal political motivations, is part of a new episode of repression by the Cuban regime.
The Vice President of the People's Supreme Court, Maricela Sosa Ravelo, recently defended this decision and justified it by citing alleged violations of the conditions imposed following their early release.
The European Parliament expressed this Wednesday its deep concern over the recent imprisonment of Cuban dissidents, acknowledged human rights activists on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is his release important?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban opposition leader and coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been imprisoned multiple times for his pro-democracy activism. His release is significant as it symbolizes the struggle against the repression of the Cuban regime and support for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba.
What actions is Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart taking regarding political prisoners in Cuba?
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners in Cuba. Additionally, he has held the Cuban regime responsible for any harm that imprisoned opponents may suffer and has promised a change in U.S. appeasement policies towards Cuba once Donald Trump assumes leadership.
How has the international community reacted to the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The international community has expressed its concern and condemnation regarding the situation of political prisoners in Cuba. The United States, the European Parliament, and human rights organizations have urged the Cuban regime to release imprisoned dissenters and to ensure their physical integrity and fundamental rights.
What specific actions have international governments taken in support of Cuban political prisoners?
Governments such as that of the United States have publicly condemned the detention and mistreatment of Cuban political prisoners. They have called for the release of opposition leaders like José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, and have held meetings with Cuban citizens advocating for their rights. Furthermore, the European Parliament has demanded assurances regarding the safety of dissidents and has stated that it will continue to monitor the situation on the island.
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