One day after turning 55 confined under inhumane conditions in a punishment cell in Mar Verde prison, in Santiago de Cuba, the United States reiterated its support for the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and demanded his immediate release.
"Yesterday, @jdanielferrer spent another birthday unjustly imprisoned. The United States does not forget his bravery or the resilience of countless Cubans who have faced a criminal and illegitimate regime. We remain committed to holding his captors accountable for their complicity in human rights violations," published on the social media platform X by the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the Department of State.
Torture, illness, and isolation
Ferrer, founder and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was arrested again in April following the revocation of his parole, charged with alleged contempt for not appearing before a judge. Since then, he has been subjected to torture, beatings, threats, denial of medical care, and confinement alongside common prisoners as a form of psychological pressure.
During a recent visit, his wife Nelva Ismarays Ortega-Tamayo found him visibly deteriorated: weak, with a persistent cough, injured ear, muscle pain, and possible symptoms of tuberculosis. The opposition figure remains locked in a cell infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, forced to drink contaminated water and without access to medication.
Since June 29, Ferrer has been on a hunger strike as an act of protest. "Not only are they not allowing him to be free: they are even taking away the right to celebrate his birthday with dignity," denounced the organization Cubalex.
International alarm for his life
The decision to revoke his release was endorsed by the Supreme Popular Court and also affected veteran dissident Félix Navarro, 72 years old. International observers have described the process as a political maneuver aimed at silencing critical voices.
Despite his fragile health, Ferrer remains determined to resist and has expressed concern for both his life and the safety of his family, which has also been threatened.
While the regime remains silent, international pressure is mounting. Ferrer's case has become a symbol of the systematic repression against those who dream of a free Cuba. And although there are no hugs or cake today, his voice endures imprisonment and continues to denounce injustice.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of José Daniel Ferrer in Cuba
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been imprisoned by the Cuban regime several times due to his political activism. He is currently in prison following the revocation of his probation, in a process that international observers have deemed arbitrary and politically motivated. Ferrer has been charged with contempt and propaganda against the constitutional order.
What are the detention conditions of José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is imprisoned under inhumane and degrading conditions. According to reports, he has been subjected to torture, beatings, isolation, denial of medical care, and confinement with common prisoners as a form of psychological pressure. Furthermore, his cell is infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, and he is forced to drink contaminated water.
What actions has the United States taken regarding the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States has demanded the immediate release of José Daniel Ferrer and has expressed its support for his bravery and that of other Cubans who confront the regime. The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department has reiterated its commitment to holding Ferrer's captors accountable for the human rights violations committed.
What does the case of José Daniel Ferrer symbolize for the international community?
The case of José Daniel Ferrer has become a symbol of systematic repression in Cuba against those who dream of a free Cuba. Internationally, his situation has raised alarm and has been the focus of pressure for the Cuban regime to respect human rights. His imprisonment reflects the human cost of dissent in Cuba.
How has the Cuban regime responded to international pressure regarding the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
The Cuban regime has provided proof of life for José Daniel Ferrer following international pressure, but has maintained its position of considering Ferrer a "destabilizing agent." It has not publicly responded to calls for his release and continues to deny allegations of torture and mistreatment.
Filed under:
