The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, Senator Rick Scott, and Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar have condemned the torture and the brutal beating of Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who has been incarcerated again since April 29.
Through social media, the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs and lawmakers demanded an immediate proof of life and access for a medical and humanitarian mission to verify the health status of the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), who is in total isolation and without contact with his family.
“The reports that José Daniel is being tortured by the Castro/Díaz-Canel regime are horrendous. We must demand proof of life and urgent medical attention,” wrote Senator Scott, warning that the world is watching and will not forget the regime's abuses.
On her part, Congresswoman Salazar described the aggression as an act of barbarism that reveals the criminal, violent, and cowardly nature of the Cuban dictatorship. “Enough with the weakness. It is time for the world to condemn these thugs and apply maximum pressure,” she demanded.
The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs also condemned the act and noted that the beating illustrates the regime's lack of willingness to respect human rights. “This act demonstrates that the regime's gestures, such as releasing prisoners for international credit, are insincere,” stated the diplomatic office.
Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer was reportedly brutally beaten by regime authorities while on a hunger strike in the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba.
According to reports by Ana Belkis Ferrer, sister of the opposition leader, the attack occurred after José Daniel began a hunger strike to protest against his arbitrary imprisonment, constant abuses, spoiled food, contaminated water, and the extreme hunger faced by the inmates.
The family claims that the authorities transferred common and violent inmates from the Boniato prison to Mar Verde with the deliberate intention of attacking Ferrer.
“We condemn the criminal acts against José Daniel and hold Raúl Castro, Díaz-Canel, and all their accomplices responsible,” Ana Belkis stated in a statement. She also demanded the immediate release of her brother and all political prisoners in Cuba.
Ferrer has been arrested at least three times for political reasons. His most recent arrest occurred in 2021 due to his participation in the protests of July 11, a symbol of popular rebellion against the regime.
In early 2025, he was released as part of an agreement aimed at improving the international image of the Cuban government, following negotiations related to his removal from the U.S. State Department's list of terrorism sponsors. However, he was arrested again months later, accused of violating his parole.
Since then, he has been in extreme isolation and without contact with his family, which has raised all alarms about his physical and mental well-being.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of José Daniel Ferrer and repression in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been imprisoned several times for his political activism against the Cuban regime. In his most recent detention, he was accused of violating his parole after participating in protests and speaking out against the conditions in the country. Ferrer has been subjected to torture and beatings in prison, which has elicited strong international condemnation.
What has the United States government reported regarding the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States government, through the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, has strongly condemned the brutal treatment and unjust detention of José Daniel Ferrer. The U.S. has called for the immediate release of Ferrer and other political prisoners, and has highlighted the systematic repression of the Cuban regime against dissent. Washington has also criticized the regime's attempts to use the release of prisoners to enhance its international image.
What has been the reaction of American political figures to Ferrer's imprisonment?
U.S. political figures such as Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar have condemned the torture and imprisonment of Ferrer. They have demanded proof of life and urgent medical attention for Ferrer, in addition to calling on the international community to condemn the Cuban regime and exert pressure for the release of political prisoners on the island.
What actions has José Daniel Ferrer taken in response to his imprisonment?
José Daniel Ferrer has begun a hunger strike to protest against his unjust imprisonment and the inhumane conditions in prison. Through his sister, Ferrer has reported the beatings he has endured and the terrible living conditions in prison, such as spoiled food and contaminated water. His strike aims to draw international attention to his situation and that of other political prisoners in Cuba.
How has Ferrer's humanitarian work influenced his persecution by the Cuban regime?
The humanitarian work of Ferrer, which includes the distribution of food and medical care to vulnerable people in Santiago de Cuba, has been the subject of harassment by the regime. Authorities have attempted to hinder these activities through detentions and threats against beneficiaries and collaborators. Ferrer has been a strong critic of the regime, and his humanitarian efforts have increased his popularity, leading to heightened repression against him.
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