The Cuban government apprehended prominent dissident and opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), this past Tuesday. His conditional release, granted just three months ago as part of an agreement brokered between the Vatican and the U.S. government, was revoked.
According to Reuters, Maricela Sosa, the Vice President of the People's Supreme Court, stated that the UNPACU leader violated his release terms by failing to appear at two mandatory court hearings. This non-compliance, she asserted, breaches Cuban law.
The arrest occurred during a security operation at the UNPACU headquarters in Altamira, Santiago de Cuba. Ana Belkis Ferrer, Ferrer's sister, reported on social media that the home was "completely ransacked" and that his wife, Nelva Ismaray Ortega Tamayo, their young son Daniel José, and activists Roilán Zárraga Ferrer and Fernando González Vaillant were also detained. Their whereabouts remain unknown, according to her statement.
"Despicable and cowardly criminal tyrants! We demand their immediate release and that of all political detainees and prisoners," Ana Belkis wrote on her brother's X (formerly Twitter) account, accompanied by the hashtag #SOSCuba.
Ferrer, 54, has been a vocal critic of the Cuban regime for over two decades, enduring numerous arrests and convictions due to his political activism. In late April, the regime intensified its campaign against political opponents, including the Ferrer family and opposition leader Rosa María Payá, targeting their advocacy for change through the platform Cuba Decide.
An article in Granma, the Communist Party's official publication, titled "Counter-Revolutionary Activists Demand Double Blockade Against Cuba," labeled these opposition figures as "mercenaries" and accused them of urging the European Union to maintain economic sanctions on the Island.
Following his release, Ferrer continued to denounce the dictatorship on social media and intensified humanitarian efforts amid the regime's structural crisis, which has dramatically increased the number of people living in extreme poverty and vulnerability.
This humanitarian work has drawn the regime's attention, as they have monitored and surrounded the UNPACU headquarters from the beginning to disrupt the flow of individuals seeking daily meals, medical care, or medicines.
Ferrer García's humanitarian actions have bolstered his respect and popularity, prompting the regime to intensify efforts to halt UNPACU's social work, resulting in arrests of collaborators and threats to aid recipients.
As of this writing, the Cuban government has not issued any official statements regarding the status or location of those detained, including Ferrer García and his family. Human rights organizations are demanding answers and warning of the increasing repression on the island.
Key Questions About the Arrest of José Daniel Ferrer
Why was José Daniel Ferrer's conditional release revoked?
His release was revoked because he allegedly failed to attend two mandatory court hearings, which the Cuban authorities claim violates the terms of his release.
Who else was detained alongside José Daniel Ferrer?
Along with Ferrer, his wife Nelva Ismaray Ortega Tamayo, his young son Daniel José, and activists Roilán Zárraga Ferrer and Fernando González Vaillant were also detained.
What actions have human rights organizations taken in response to these arrests?
Human rights organizations are calling for explanations from the Cuban government and are highlighting the increasing repression on the island.