The Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer spent another birthday in prison, while the United States government condemned his imprisonment and reiterated its support for those facing the regime.
The message was disseminated this Wednesday by the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, through its official account on the social network X, where they labeled José Daniel Ferrer's imprisonment as unjust and reaffirmed their commitment to human rights in Cuba.
"Yesterday, José Daniel Ferrer spent another birthday unjustly imprisoned. The United States does not forget his bravery or the tenacity of the countless Cubans who have confronted a criminal and illegitimate regime," the statement expressed.
In the same publication, the U.S. government reiterated that it will continue to work to hold those responsible for his confinement accountable for their complicity in human rights violations.
The current commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, Rosa María Payá, emphasized on X that José Daniel Ferrer turned 55 years old and did so “once again in unjust political imprisonment.”
"Like Félix Navarro, they have been held hostage by the dictatorship for 3 months in the cruelest of prisons," he emphasized.
Johanna Cilano from Amnesty International joined in on X with those demanding the immediate and unconditional release of Ferrer, reminding that the opposition leader marks another birthday in prison, “subjected to cruel, inhuman treatment and torture, far from his family and children.”
Cilano emphasized that Ferrer has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and that his leadership and fight for human rights in Cuba "has been an inspiration for many around the world."
“His commitment to a different Cuba and his humanitarian work are a great example,” the activist stated in her message, where she emphasized that José Daniel should not be imprisoned and reiterated the demand for freedom for all individuals in Cuba who are deprived of liberty for political reasons.
Ferrer celebrated his 55th birthday this Tuesday, but he did so confined in a punishment cell in the Mar Verde prison, Santiago de Cuba, under conditions that his family and human rights advocacy organizations deem to be "cruel, inhumane, and degrading."
There are no hugs, no cake, no celebration. Only the echo of confinement, physical deterioration, and the political violence of a regime that has turned its anniversary into a stifled cry silenced by repression.
Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was arrested again in April, after the regime revoked his parole claims of an alleged defiance for not appearing before a judge.
Since then, he has been subjected, according to documented reports, to beatings, threats, torture, deprivation of medical care, and confinement with common prisoners used as a mechanism of psychological pressure.
His wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega-Tamayo, was the only one authorized to see him during a recent visit controlled and monitored by State Security. She found him weak, with a persistent cough, ruptured eardrum, muscle pains, and symptoms that could indicate tuberculosis. Out of fear of contagion, he didn't even dare to kiss his loved ones.
The opposition figure remains confined in a cell infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, forced to drink dirty water, with no access to medication or even basic medical care, after declaring a hunger strike on June 29 as a form of protest.
Despite his fragile condition, he continues to express his will to resist, but he has made it clear that he fears for his life and for the safety of his family, who have been subjected to threats.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of José Daniel Ferrer in Cuba
Why is José Daniel Ferrer imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer is imprisoned for political reasons, after being accused of contempt and violations of parole. His detention is seen as retaliation for his activism and opposition to the Cuban regime. Ferrer has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International, and his imprisonment is regarded as unjust and arbitrary.
What has José Daniel Ferrer reported about his situation in prison?
Ferrer has reported cruel, inhumane treatment and torture in prison, including beatings, deprivation of medical attention, and confinement under degrading conditions. He also reports threats against his family and extreme isolation, which has raised international concern for his safety and well-being.
What actions has the United States taken regarding José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States has strongly condemned the imprisonment of Ferrer and demanded his immediate release, in addition to requesting proof of life due to concerns for his well-being. The U.S. government has also consistently supported Ferrer and other opponents in Cuba, urging the regime to respect human rights.
What is the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and what is Ferrer's role in this organization?
UNPACU is an opposition organization founded by José Daniel Ferrer that fights for democracy and human rights in Cuba. Ferrer is the leader of UNPACU and has been a key figure in the resistance against the Cuban regime, organizing humanitarian aid activities and promoting political change on the island.
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