The opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer told his family that he is being charged with propaganda against the constitutional order and contempt towards the figure of Miguel Díaz-Canel.
This was reported on Monday by his sister Ana Belkis Ferrer, who added that José Daniel was “heavily handcuffed and brutally beaten” to force him to wear the regular prison uniform.
The sister of the political prisoner reported that Ferrer Nelva Ismarays Ortega's wife and their young son were able to visit him for the first time since his return to prison, although only for three minutes.
Ferrer’s cousin, Daniel, who was accompanying the mother and her child, was instead detained at a checkpoint and "taken to a police station."
"When they arrived at Mar Verde, they told Nelva that they would only show her José Daniel for a minute. They searched her bag again and turned back half of its contents; in the end, the meeting lasted only three minutes. José Daniel was in shorts and appeared somewhat weakened from persistent diarrhea," Ana Belkis recounted.
Additionally, the opposition figure expressed his concern for vulnerable individuals who came daily for food to the headquarters of his organization, sent his gratitude to all the supportive friends, and extended congratulations to all the mothers on their day.
At the end of April, and after three months of freedom, the authorities of the Cuban regime arrested the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), revoking his conditional release, granted as part of a negotiated agreement between the Vatican and the government of the United States.
The Vice President of the Supreme People's Tribunal, Maricela Sosa, stated that the leader of UNPACU violated the conditions of his release by failing to attend two mandatory court hearings, which she asserted constitutes a violation of Cuban law.
The arrest occurred during a security forces operation at the UNPACU headquarters, located in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba.
José Daniel Ferrer, 54 years old, has been one of the most critical voices against the Cuban regime in the last two decades and has faced multiple arrests and convictions for his political activism.
After his release, the opponent continued to denounce the dictatorship on his social media and undertook humanitarian efforts in response to the structural crisis of the Cuban regime, which is exponentially increasing the number of people in extreme poverty and vulnerability.
Precisely, this humanitarian facet of the activist angered the regime's repressors, who from the very beginning monitored and surrounded the UNPACU headquarters in an attempt to cut off the flow of people who visit daily to secure a meal for the day, or to address their health and medication needs.
The respect and popularity of the humanitarian efforts of Ferrer García have raised concerns for the repressive system of the dictatorship, which has done everything possible to halt the social work of UNPACU, from arresting collaborators to applying pressure and threats on the recipients of aid.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of José Daniel Ferrer and Repression in Cuba
Why has José Daniel Ferrer been arrested again?
José Daniel Ferrer was arrested following the revocation of his parole, which was granted as part of an agreement between the Vatican and the U.S. government. Authorities allege that Ferrer violated the terms of his release by failing to attend two mandatory court hearings. However, human rights advocates believe this action is arbitrary and a reprisal for his political and humanitarian activism.
What accusations does José Daniel Ferrer face from the Cuban regime?
José Daniel Ferrer has been accused of propaganda against the constitutional order and contempt for the figure of Miguel Díaz-Canel. These accusations add to a history of political persecution, which includes multiple arrests and convictions for his work as an opposition leader and human rights activist in Cuba.
How has the international community reacted to the arrest of José Daniel Ferrer?
The international community has expressed its concern and rejection of the ongoing repression against José Daniel Ferrer and other opponents in Cuba. Human rights organizations and democratic governments have demanded explanations from the Cuban regime, insisting on the release of Ferrer and all political prisoners unjustly detained.
What impact does José Daniel Ferrer's humanitarian work have on Cuban society?
The humanitarian work of José Daniel Ferrer has been essential in assisting people in extreme need in Cuba, especially in Santiago de Cuba. His organization, the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), has provided food and medical care to thousands of vulnerable individuals, earning the respect and support of the local population. However, this work has unsettled the Cuban regime, which has intensified repression to halt his humanitarian efforts.
Filed under:
