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Cuban authorities prevented José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), from exercising his right to make a brief phone call from the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba.
The action is another retaliation for the dissemination of a letter written by Ferrer last Friday, in which he denounced systematic abuses and reaffirmed his commitment to the fight for the freedom of his homeland.
According to a report by Ana Belkis Ferrer García, sister of the opposition figure, on Facebook, it was reported from prison that on Tuesday Ferrer was denied the opportunity to communicate with the outside world.
This measure adds to the suspension of the conjugal visit that had been scheduled for Monday, also as punishment for the publication of the letter.
The leader's family also claims that there is a climate of threats, harassment, provocations, and theft within the prison.
Ferrer, 54 years old, remains isolated under strict control measures.
Her sister directly held Raúl Castro, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and all members of the Cuban regime responsible for the physical and psychological well-being of the dissident, and demanded his immediate release, along with that of all political prisoners.
The wife of the activist, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, was detained and threatened on Monday after protesting the authorities' refusal for a conjugal visit.
The refusal came from Captain Liván Laguart Riquelme, identified as the "collective leader or re-educator" of Detachment Number 15 of the prison.
Ortega was transferred under police supervision to the Research and Operations Center in Versailles, where she was warned that any new posts on social media could worsen the legal situation for both Ferrer and herself.
The communication barrier for Ferrer occurs just a few days after the opposition figure revealed, in a letter dated September 10, 2025, that he decided to accept exile as a measure to protect his family.
In the letter, Ferrer denounces the pressure from State Security to discredit the fight for freedom and manipulate his image in favor of negotiations between Cuba, the United States, and the Catholic Church.
"I am ready to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity," he wrote from his cell, describing the constant harassment and conditions of psychological torture in the prison.
Ferrer’s situation has raised international concern.
Sources close to his family have indicated that his release and possible exile may be under negotiation, but Cuban authorities continue to impose conditions that prolong his detention and seek to gain diplomatic advantages.
Meanwhile, the family continues to denounce the systematic abuse of the dictatorship and demands justice and freedom for the opposition leader and all political prisoners.
Frequently asked questions about the situation of José Daniel Ferrer in Cuba
Why did the Cuban authorities prevent José Daniel Ferrer from making a phone call?
Cuban authorities prevented José Daniel Ferrer from making a phone call in retaliation for the dissemination of a letter in which he denounced systematic abuses and reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for Cuba's freedom. This action adds to other restrictive measures imposed by the regime, such as the suspension of conjugal visits.
What is the current situation of José Daniel Ferrer in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is currently incarcerated in Mar Verde, where he is subjected to inhumane conditions and psychological torture. He lives in isolation under strict control measures and faces constant threats, harassment, and theft within the prison. Furthermore, his family has reported that his departure from the country has been blocked despite agreeing to exile as a means of protection.
Why does the Cuban regime block José Daniel Ferrer's exit into exile?
The Cuban regime is blocking José Daniel Ferrer's departure into exile as part of a negotiation strategy to gain diplomatic benefits. Although Ferrer has accepted forced exile under extreme pressure, the Cuban authorities are imposing conditions and seeking to gain advantages in potential negotiations with international actors.
What actions has the international community taken regarding the situation of José Daniel Ferrer?
The situation of José Daniel Ferrer has generated significant international concern. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, have called for his immediate release and have identified him as a prisoner of conscience. Additionally, the U.S. State Department has condemned his detention and has requested his release, while activists have launched campaigns to raise awareness of his case.
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