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The Cuban activist Rosa María Payá expressed her support for José Daniel Ferrer after his decision to go into exile became known.
In a message posted on X, she stated that Ferrer has dedicated his life to the freedom of Cuba and that in the Castro prisons they want to kill him with inhumane torture.
"Saving oneself is an act of resistance; it is defending the dignity of an entire people. José does not give up, and we will always stand by him," he emphasized.
The statement comes as reports increase regarding the inhumane conditions faced by the opposition leader and general coordinator of UNPACU.
From its Facebook page, the platform Cuba Decide issued an urgent alert accusing the Cuban regime of subjecting Ferrer to torture and cruel treatment in the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba.
"We demand your immediate release," the organization asserted, referencing a manuscript by Ferrer himself that describes imprisonment as "a Nazi-style concentration camp."
In the letter, dated September 10, 2025, and shared by his family, Ferrer confirmed that he accepted to go into exile to protect his wife and children, after years of beatings, threats, and persecution.
Although he described the decision as painful, he presented it as a strategy of resistance, not as a surrender. The opposition figure also denounced pressures to manipulate his image and to use his departure from the country to discredit the struggle for Cuba's freedom.
Activists like Carolina Barrero viewed exile as "a new battleground" for Ferrer, while filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana welcomed him with, "You have given everything for a free Cuba."
From the Human Rights Observatory in Cuba, Yaxys D. Cires emphasized his "struggle for freedom and democracy" and called for the release of all political prisoners.
U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar described him as an "undeniable symbol of resistance" forced into exile, and criticized the regime as "cruel and cowardly," urging the "free world" not to remain indifferent.
On social media, citizens expressed both support and frustration.
Some supported Ferrer's decision as a measure to protect his life and that of his family, acknowledging the high personal cost he has paid. Others lamented that an opponent with his background has been forced into exile by a repressive system that remains unchanged.
With this statement, José Daniel Ferrer reaffirms his commitment to the fight for Cuba's freedom, even from outside the country, making it clear that his exile does not mean abandoning his cause.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Exile and the Human Rights Situation in Cuba
Why has José Daniel Ferrer decided to go into exile?
José Daniel Ferrer has decided to go into exile to protect his family from the threats and persecution of the Cuban regime. The decision, although painful, is seen by him as a strategy of resistance and not as a surrender, in the midst of inhumane conditions in prison and extreme pressures from the regime.
What have been the reactions to Ferrer's decision to go into exile?
Ferrer’s decision has been supported by activists, politicians, and citizens both inside and outside of Cuba. Rosa María Payá, Carolina Barrero, and other activists have expressed their support, highlighting exile as a new battleground. From the United States, congress members like María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart have condemned the Cuban regime and praised Ferrer’s courage.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to Ferrer's departure?
The Cuban regime has maintained a stance of discrediting Ferrer, accusing him of being a "mercenary." The Granma newspaper has conducted defamation campaigns against him and Rosa María Payá, accusing them of calling for sanctions against Cuba. The repression and harassment by the regime towards Ferrer and his associates have been ongoing.
What has Ferrer reported about his situation in prison before his exile?
Ferrer has reported torture, beatings, and inhumane conditions in Mar Verde prison. He has been subjected to cruel treatment, lack of medical care, and constant threats against his family. These abuses have been documented and reported by international human rights organizations and his family.
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