Related videos:
The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, celebrated this Monday the departure of Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer to the United States –although it was a forced exile– after years of imprisonment, torture, and repression under the regime in Havana.
“We are pleased that Ferrer is now free from the oppression of the regime,” stated Rubio in an official statement released by the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department on social media platform X.
The text recognizes Ferrer as a “brave leader of the pro-democracy movement in Cuba” and denounces that his activism made him a threat to the dictatorship, which imprisoned and tortured him multiple times.
The government of President Donald Trump, Rubio stated, "remains committed to the Cuban people in their quest for freedom against tyranny," and reiterated Washington's support for democratic values and fundamental liberties.
Rubio also demanded the immediate release of more than 700 political prisoners unjustly detained on the island, and called on the international community to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its abuses and its destabilizing influence in the region.
In his account, Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed José Daniel Ferrer following his forced exile: “Welcome to freedom, Ferrer. After years of repression, torture, and abuse by the Cuban regime, Ferrer and his family are now in the United States,” the official stated.
Rubio added that the Cuban people's desire for basic freedoms and democracy is an inspiration to many, and he reaffirmed his government's commitment to a free, just, and democratic Cuba.
The Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs of the State Department, in another post on the social media platform X, emphasized that José Daniel Ferrer's tireless defense of democracy and the well-being of the Cuban people is an inspiration.
"We hope that you continue to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the Cuban people from the United States. We are glad that you are finally free from the oppression of the regime," he emphasized.
He also remembered that, unfortunately, more than 700 political prisoners remain unjustly detained in Cuba.
"We urge the international community to join us in defending human rights in Cuba," he concluded.
José Daniel Ferrer arrived in the United States on Monday after being taken directly from the Mar Verde prison to the Santiago de Cuba airport, in what has been denounced as a forced exile carried out by the regime.
His arrival has been met with expressions of solidarity from exiles, activists, lawmakers, and human rights organizations, who view his expulsion as a maneuver by the Cuban government to silence uncomfortable voices within the country.
Just minutes after arriving in exile, José Daniel Ferrer was awarded the Truman-Reagan medal for his fight against communism in Cuba, a symbolic gesture after years of imprisonment and repression.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release and Exile of José Daniel Ferrer
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he relevant?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban opposition leader and founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). He has been a key figure in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Cuba, facing multiple arrests and torture under the Cuban regime. His recent relocation to the United States marks a new chapter in his activism, now from exile.
Why was José Daniel Ferrer exiled from Cuba?
The Cuban regime executed a forced exile of José Daniel Ferrer as a result of international diplomatic pressure and his pro-democracy activism. Although the Cuban government presented it as a legal procedure, many human rights advocates and observers believe it was a maneuver to silence his critical voice within the country.
What has the United States said about José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States has expressed strong support for José Daniel Ferrer, recognizing his fight for freedom and condemning the abuses suffered under the Cuban regime. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, celebrated his arrival in the U.S. and reiterated the American government's commitment to human rights in Cuba.
What has been the international reaction to Ferrer's exile?
The international community, including activists, politicians, and human rights organizations, has condemned Ferrer's exile and expressed solidarity with his cause. He is seen as a symbol of systematic repression in Cuba and a call to action for the release of other political prisoners on the island.
Filed under: