Five officials from the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba have been added to the List of Repressors of the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC), after being accused of participating in brutal beatings and tortures against the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García.
The FDHC, responsible for the site Cuban Repressors, reported in a statement sent to our editorial office that the assaults began on June 25, 2025, after Ferrer declared a hunger strike in protest against cruel treatment and the imposition of the common prisoner uniform.
According to the testimony provided by Ferrer to his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, during a visit on July 5, the attacks were authorized and directed by the head of the prison, Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Pineda Guerr, and also involved Colonel Adalberto Andreu Chacón, Captain José Miguel Hechavarría Gorguet, Major José Luis Yáñez Herrera, and Captain Liván Laugart Riquelme.
The FDHC accuses these officials of committing crimes against humanity for torture and political persecution, as well as violating Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Mandela Rules on the treatment of prisoners.
In addition to the officials, Ferrer would have been attacked by at least six common inmates, allegedly instigated by the prison authorities to continue the beatings.
Nelva Ismarays Ortega reported that the body of the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) was covered in bruises and had been beaten all over with such violence that he lost control of his bowels.
The torture that began on June 25 included twisting of fingers and wrists, forced attempts to feed him milk during his hunger strike, and keeping him in deplorable hygiene conditions for 48 hours. He also reportedly received threats against his family as part of a psychological torture strategy.
The project considers these abuses as a direct retaliation by the regime against Ferrer for his humanitarian work in Santiago de Cuba, particularly his campaign for medical and food assistance that, according to the foundation, the State Security was unable to stop while he was on parole.
It is worth noting that the head of the prison, Vladimir Pineda Guerra, was already listed on represorescubanos.com for keeping Ferrer incommunicado and without visits between March and June 2023.
The new complaint escalates her file and that of her subordinates, whose records are publicly available on the human rights platform.
The Foundation concludes its statement by demanding that those responsible for the physical and psychological abuse against the political prisoner be investigated and sanctioned internationally.
On June 29, Ferrer began a hunger strike to protest against his unjust imprisonment and the inhumane conditions he faces in prison.
The activist's sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, explained that the hunger strike was brought forward by Ferrer, who had initially intended to start it on July 1, but due to the worsening of the jail conditions, he decided to begin his protest earlier.
Among the reasons cited for this extreme action are maltreatment, abuse, hunger, lack of medical attention, the provision of spoiled food, and contaminated water, which has led to illnesses among the prison population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the José Daniel Ferrer Case in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He was arrested and sent to Mar Verde prison to serve a sentence imposed in 2020, which has been deemed unfair by human rights organizations. His imprisonment has been viewed as political retaliation for his activism and humanitarian work in Cuba.
What complaints have been made regarding Ferrer's treatment in prison?
The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC) has reported that Ferrer has been a victim of brutal beatings and torture in Mar Verde prison. The assaults are said to have been authorized by high-ranking officials of the prison and carried out by common inmates incited by the authorities. The inhumane conditions of his imprisonment include mistreatment, lack of medical care, and inadequate food.
Why did Ferrer go on a hunger strike?
José Daniel Ferrer started a hunger strike on June 29, 2025 to protest against his unjust imprisonment and the inhumane conditions he faces in prison. The strike aims to denounce the mistreatment, hunger, lack of medical attention, and abuses he suffers, as well as to demand his release and that of all political prisoners in Cuba.
What has been the response of the international community to the Ferrer case?
The international community, including the European Parliament and the government of the United States, has condemned the arrest of Ferrer and demanded his immediate release. The United States has requested an immediate proof of life for the opposition leader, while activists in Miami have launched campaigns to raise awareness of the case and call for the release of all Cuban political prisoners.
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