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The Cuban opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer announced, through a letter circulated by his family, his intention to go into exile with his family, a gesture that sparked a wave of public support from activists, artists, and politicians both inside and outside of Cuba.
Among the messages, the activist Carolina Barrero stated that she had read the letter written from the Mar Verde prison in which Ferrer announces his departure into exile, and she expressed her “unconditional support” for him and his family, considering exile as “a new battlefield.”
The filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana celebrated the decision with a “Welcome to freedom, patriot,” while the director of the Human Rights Observatory in Cuba, Yaxys D. Cires, highlighted his “struggle for freedom and democracy” and called for the liberation of political prisoners.
"You have all my support, solidarity, and admiration. You are a great patriot and a fighter for freedom and democracy in Cuba. Freedom for political prisoners," wrote Cires.
From the United States, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar described the regime as “cruel and cowardly” and referred to Ferrer as a “undeniable symbol of resistance” forced into exile, calling on the “free world” to not remain indifferent.
Messages from citizens expressing support for the decision for family safety also circulated on social media, acknowledging the high personal cost borne by Ferrer, with calls for him not to risk his life in prison.
"Man of honor. You are right to leave Cuba; it's not worth it. Cubans are upset today because they are suffering, but when they weren't lacking bread from the store, they viewed the opposition and the Ladies in White as clowns, as opportunists, and they took pleasure in the beatings," wrote an internet user.
Another, calling him a hero, emphasized: "You do not deserve to die in the dungeons of that dictatorship for a people who, at the end of the day, when they have power for a whole week, will quickly forget that people like you have put their family's integrity at risk… Keep moving forward."
From the Mar Verde prison, in Santiago de Cuba, the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, head of the Cuban Patriotic Union (UNPACU), revealed that he accepted to go into exile, a decision he describes as painful.
Its resolution is due to extreme pressures from the regime, and was motivated by the need to protect her family.
Through a handwritten letter dated September 10, 2025, Ferrer denounces a series of systematic abuses and reaffirms his commitment to the fight for the freedom of Cuba.
“for years I have been subjected to brutal beatings, torture, humiliation, death threats and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment,” begins the letter, handwritten and published by his family on social media.
"My family has also been the subject of the most ruthless persecution," he adds, attributing this violence to the regime's attempts to force him into exile or to give up his activism.
Ferrer explains that he decided to leave the country before the assault on his home on April 29, when he was sent back to prison following the revocation of his parole.
It also points out that State Security has demanded that he take advantage of the exile to discredit the fight for freedom, including manipulating his image. “They have been making videos and recordings with the intention of publishing material that questions our commitment to the struggle (...), videos and audios designed to portray us as supposed agents of tyranny.”
They would even have pressured him to marry on a symbolic date for the Castro regime: “They exerted strong pressure with the intention of having me marry my beloved partner, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, on the birthday of the deceased dictator.”
Moreover, according to reports, they intended for me to ask the United States and the Catholic Church to resume negotiations with the regime. Ferrer is emphatic: “I want to make it clear that if my life and that of my family depend on me asking for such things, I prefer my death in this Nazi-style concentration camp (...). I am ready to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity.”
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Exile and the Political Situation in Cuba
Why did José Daniel Ferrer decide to go into exile from Cuba?
José Daniel Ferrer decided to go into exile to protect his family from the persecution and repression of the Cuban regime. From prison, Ferrer denounced torture, beatings, and constant threats, which led him to make this painful decision under extreme pressure. Despite his exile, Ferrer reaffirms his commitment to the fight for Cuba's freedom and plans to continue his activism from abroad.
How has the international community reacted to the forced exile of José Daniel Ferrer?
The international community has shown strong support for José Daniel Ferrer and has condemned the Cuban regime for its repression. U.S. politicians such as Mario Díaz-Balart and María Elvira Salazar have praised Ferrer's bravery and have denounced the inhumane conditions he has been subjected to. Likewise, the U.S. Department of State and Amnesty International have called for his immediate release and have recognized Ferrer as a prisoner of conscience.
What does José Daniel Ferrer's exile imply for the Cuban opposition?
The exile of Ferrer represents a significant blow to the Cuban opposition, as he is one of its most emblematic leaders. However, his departure could also become a new platform to internationally denounce human rights violations in Cuba. Ferrer has expressed his intention to continue the fight from abroad, similar to the trajectory of Cuban independence heroes, seeking support and solidarity for the Cuban people.
What have been the conditions of incarceration for José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer has endured inhumane and degrading conditions in prison. He has been subjected to physical and psychological torture, beatings, and threats against his family. The authorities have denied him adequate medical care and have kept him in isolation. These conditions have been reported by several human rights organizations, which are calling for his release and an end to political repression in Cuba.
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