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Thousands of supportive messages flooded social media following the most recent post by Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer García, in which he responded to those who have questioned his role and leadership within the dissident movement.
The , in which the founder of UNPACU stated that “those who feel envy should do in Cuba what I humbly did for 30 years,” triggered a wave of comments that reflect both support and divisions within the Cuban opposition.
Most of the reactions came from activists, exiles, and supporters who defended Ferrer and lamented the attacks from other opponents. Many highlighted his track record, his resilience in the face of repression, and the suffering of his family during over a decade of persecution, imprisonment, and beatings.
“It's easy to talk, but living what you experienced, that's not something just anyone can endure.”, wrote a user who claimed to have shared the early years of UNPACU in Havana.
The tone of the messages revealed a widespread feeling of frustration over the divisions within the exile community and dissent. “I respect and admire you, son, don’t pay attention to those who do the dirty work for the G2”, commented another follower.
Others called to directly ignore the provocations: "Do not seek loyalty where it does not exist; work with those who support you", "The enemy is clear: tyranny, not our brothers in cause", or "Divide and conquer, that is the strategy that has harmed us so much".
The publication also reignited an old debate about opposition unity. Several commentators pointed out that the criticisms of Ferrer—some arising from exile sectors and others from opponents within Cuba—reflect the ongoing distrust among figures and groups that share the goal of freedom but do not always agree on methods or leadership.
"The regime sowed division and distrust as its most effective weapon", wrote one user. "Cubans are judges before being comrades in struggle. That has been the foundation of the indoctrination", added another.
Among the messages, there were also calls for political maturity and a focus on common goals. "We don't all have to think alike, but we must be clear about who the enemy is", said a commentator.
“If we don't unite, they will continue to kill us separately,” warned another. The theme of unity was reiterated insistently: “Now is not the time to speak ill of anyone fighting for freedom,” “We are the good ones, and we are more,” “Every stone they throw at you confirms that you are bearing fruit.”
The expressions of support for Ferrer included voices from former political prisoners, relatives of activists, and citizens both inside and outside the island. Many underscored the consistency of the opposition leader in the face of personal risks.
"There is no need to prove what is already done; prestige is earned through sacrifice", wrote a follower. "After so many years of imprisonment, torture, and threats, still standing is sufficient proof of commitment", added another.
Some compared him to historical figures like Céspedes or Maceo, and even Martí: “Brave men are always slandered; history repeats itself.”
However, among the hundreds of supportive messages, there were also specific criticisms.
Some users asked Ferrer to clarify his recent statements in which he claimed that figures of the regime are also "victims of the system," or appealing for harmony among Cubans who, even while serving the regime, have not been involved in the ongoing repression or corruption.
“I really don't understand that”, wrote one commentator. “The executioners are never victims”. Others advised her to watch her words, reminding her that her statements are being scrutinized closely by both supporters and detractors.
Beyond those differences, most agreed on one point: personal attacks only benefit the dictatorship. "The exile has become a henhouse where everyone is screaming,” lamented a commentator. "The enemy is the same for all, and speaking ill of a comrade in the struggle only plays into the hands of tyranny.”
In the messages, there was a repeated sentiment of personal and collective defense against exhaustion. “To foolish words, deaf ears”, dozens of supporters wrote. “The tree with the most fruit is the one that gets hit with the most stones.”
Several users, both from Cuba and in exile, urged Ferrer to continue on his path without engaging with provocations. "You have already done your part, now enjoy your family. Those who want to envy you should go and do the same in Cuba," wrote one user.
Amidst all the digital noise, the underlying message seemed clear: a significant portion of Cuban activism sees Ferrer as a symbolic figure—albeit not without controversy—whose personal story embodies sacrifice and perseverance in the face of a regime that has sought for decades to divide and discredit its opponents.
In a context marked by the dispersion of opposition leadership and political disenchantment, its publication served as a gauge of the current state of dissent: passionate, combative, but fractured.
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