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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, met in Washington with Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and expressed his hope that, after years of repression, the dissident leader “is free from the oppression of the regime.”
Rubio reaffirmed Washington's support for Ferrer and "for all Cubans who fight every day for freedom and justice."
The Cuban-American highlighted Ferrer's bravery and resilience in the face of persecution and the "ruthless treatment" against him and his family.
During the meeting, Ferrer described the humanitarian situation in eastern Cuba following the passage of Hurricane Melissa and emphasized the importance of channeling U.S. humanitarian aid directly through the Catholic Church, rather than through government institutions on the island.
Rubio reiterated that the United States government will continue to support efforts for accountability of the regime for human rights violations.
After the meeting, Rubio posted a message on X where he reiterated his support: “I met with José Daniel Ferrer upon his arrival in the United States… We are glad that he is free from that repression, and the United States continues to support Ferrer and all Cubans who are working for freedom and justice.”
The official also acknowledged the work of other dissidents and pro-democracy activists, whom he described as "essential to the freedom movement on the island."
In his agenda in the U.S. capital, Ferrer was also received by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, during a meeting with former political prisoners such as Ana Lázara Rodríguez, Ángel de Fana, Maritza Lugo, and rapper El Funky.
Díaz-Balart shared images from the meeting and stated that the testimonies of former prisoners remind us of the suffering of "more than 1,100 political prisoners still unjustly detained in Cuba," while urging the international community to uphold solidarity and demand the freedom of all those imprisoned for political reasons.
Before these meetings, Ferrer had announced on his Facebook that he was in Washington to meet with “important and supportive individuals”, including former prisoners, peaceful opponents, and family members of those fighting for Cuba's freedom.
With his arrival in the United States and ongoing political contacts, the opposition figure is focusing his message on highlighting the repression on the island and promoting avenues for humanitarian assistance that reach without mediation from the state apparatus.
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