The wife of José Daniel Ferrer, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, and their children visited him on July 29 at the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, where the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) remains incarcerated following the revocation of his parole in April.
"Yesterday, July 29, at around 2:00 p.m., his wife and two of his children were able to visit him in prison for his 55th birthday. They spent an hour with him, bringing lunch and a cake," his sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, wrote on the official account of the opposition figure on X.
In the same message, he affirmed that Ferrer “remains in the same cell, alongside common prisoners and under constant threats,” and that “from July 5 to date, the brutal beatings and torture have not ceased,” in addition to him experiencing “severe headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and pain in the kidney area.” He added that the opposition figure “sends greetings and is infinitely grateful to those who congratulated him and have been concerned.”
Ferrer had begun a hunger strike on June 29. On July 2, his wife was arrested while trying to reach the prison with their children to demand proof of life; days later, the regime allowed a supervised visit after several days without information.
Amid these allegations, five officials from Mar Verde prison were included in the List of Repressors by the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC) due to their alleged involvement in assaults against Ferrer following the start of his hunger strike. According to the organization, the officers are said to have been involved in beatings and other abusive practices.
On July 30, the United States once again spoke out about the situation of the opposition leader, on the occasion of his 55th birthday: “Yesterday, José Daniel Ferrer spent another birthday unjustly imprisoned. The United States does not forget his bravery or the determination of the countless Cubans who have confronted a criminal and illegitimate regime,” published the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department on X. Amnesty International, for its part, also demanded his immediate release and reminded that Ferrer is deprived of freedom “subjected to cruel, inhuman treatment and torture, far from his family and children.”
The opposition figure was released on parole in January, but the People's Supreme Court revoked the benefit at the end of April, citing that he failed to appear for court summonses, which led to his return to prison.
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 and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He was imprisoned following the revocation of his parole in April 2025, charged with contempt and propaganda against the constitutional order. His detention is viewed by international observers as a political maneuver to silence his activism and humanitarian work in Cuba.
What are the detention conditions of José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is facing inhumane conditions in Mar Verde prison, including torture, beatings, lack of medical attention, and confinement alongside common prisoners who assault him. These conditions have led Ferrer to initiate a hunger strike in protest of his prison situation.
What actions have international organizations taken regarding Ferrer's situation?
International organizations such as Amnesty International and the United States government have demanded the immediate release of José Daniel Ferrer. Furthermore, the Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba (FDHC) has included officials from the Mar Verde prison on its List of Repressors for their role in the attacks against Ferrer.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the allegations regarding the treatment of José Daniel Ferrer?
The Cuban regime has maintained official silence in response to international reports regarding the treatment of Ferrer, but has shown proof of life under international pressure. Nevertheless, repressive practices have not ceased, and the regime continues to use the prison system as a tool of punishment against dissent.
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