Ana Belkis Ferrer, sister of the Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, reported this week a series of abuses and neglect against her brother in the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, where he is incarcerated following the revocation of his parole.
According to a post this Wednesday, the wife and three children of the opposition figure were able to visit him on Tuesday, August 5, after a thorough search, and they stayed with him for two hours.
"They saw José Daniel pale, thin, with a persistent cough that causes him chest pain, an irritated throat, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and earaches, along with skin lesions caused by excessive heat and insect bites (mosquitoes and bedbugs)," wrote Ana Belkis Ferrer on social media.
He also reported that he was taken to the prison's medical facility, but did not receive effective care. "The doctor told him that aside from the blows that ruptured both eardrums, there is a possibility that a bug has been introduced, as has happened with others; however, it all remained just words, and he still has not received treatment or the medication he needs," he stated.
"Continues to survive in cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions, in the same detention center prepared to confine him, crammed together with eleven executioners in the service of the dictatorship and under the same threats," he added.
He also raised concerns about the overall health situation in the prison: “In the entire facility, infectious outbreaks continue due to dirty and contaminated water, and the food remains terrible and often decomposed.” He pointed out that Ferrer only consumes the food that his family brings him once a month, “provided they don’t decide to steal it, as they did around two months ago.”
One day later, Ana Belkis published another complaint, this time following the conjugal visit on Wednesday, August 6. She reported that Ferrer told his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, that the thefts of his belongings were ongoing.
"This Wednesday, August 6, during the corresponding conjugal visit, #SOSFerrer expressed to Nelva that everything remains as he explained yesterday during the family visit, and that he forgot to mention that he is very outraged and if the thefts do not stop, he will be forced to act accordingly," he wrote.
“They continue to steal her food and hygiene products, which belong to the bag that is currently allowed once a month,” she added. “By June, they had practically taken everything, leaving her only part of the milk, the toothbrush, the toothpaste, and the soap she was using.”
Ferrer, for his part, urged that "we do not forget about the political prisoners" and reiterated his gratitude to those who support him.
Previous family visit for his/her birthday
These new allegations come shortly after the visit Ferrer received on July 29 for his 55th birthday, when he was able to spend an hour with his wife and two of his children. On this occasion, his sister warned that the opposition leader “remains in the same cell, alongside common prisoners and under constant threats” and that “from July 5 until now, the brutal beatings and torture have not ceased.” There have also been reports of “severe headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and pain in the kidney area.”
The case has generated increasing international concern. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs wrote on X: “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 faced a criminal and illegitimate regime.”
The United States reiterated its condemnation on the occasion of his 55th birthday and demanded his immediate release.
Amnesty International has also called for his release and has reminded that he remains "subjected to cruel, inhuman treatment and torture, far from his family and his children."
Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was released in January on conditional freedom but returned to prison following an alleged failure to appear at court summonses. His re-incarceration was upheld by the Supreme People's Court, although international organizations consider it a political punishment.
Frequently asked questions about José Daniel Ferrer's situation in prison
What is the current situation of José Daniel Ferrer in Mar Verde prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is in cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions in Mar Verde prison, in Santiago de Cuba. He has been a victim of beatings, torture, and has been denied adequate medical care. His health has quickly deteriorated, showing symptoms such as a persistent cough, muscle pain, and possible signs of tuberculosis.
What complaints has Ferrer's family made regarding his treatment in prison?
The Ferrer family, especially his sister Ana Belkis Ferrer, has reported that food and hygiene products brought by his family once a month have been stolen. Furthermore, they have raised concerns about overcrowding, the poor quality of water, and the decomposing food provided in prison.
What actions has the international community taken regarding the case of José Daniel Ferrer?
The international community, including the United States and Amnesty International, has demanded the immediate release of José Daniel Ferrer and condemned the inhumane conditions of his confinement. His case has generated increasing international concern, and there have been calls for his captors to be held accountable for human rights violations.
How has José Daniel Ferrer reacted to his situation in prison?
Despite his fragile health condition, José Daniel Ferrer has maintained his will to resist. He declared a hunger strike on June 29 in protest against his unjust imprisonment and the inhumane conditions he is subjected to. Ferrer has expressed fears for his life and the safety of his family, who have also been threatened.
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