The United States Embassy in Cuba has ramped up its criticism of the island's oppressive practices following the recent arrest of opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer. The embassy has pledged to continue amplifying the voices of Cuban dissidents.
Recently, the diplomatic mission shared photos of a series of meetings held by U.S. Chief of Mission Mike Hammer with the families of political prisoners, dissidents, and human rights advocates in Villa Clara. These gatherings took place despite mounting criticism from the Cuban regime.
During a visit to Santa Clara, Hammer listened to the accounts of relatives of political prisoners Andy García Lorenzo and Aroni Yanko García Valdez. "We join their call for the release of all unjustly incarcerated political prisoners," Hammer stated on social media platform X, using the hashtag #Todos to emphasize his demand.
In the same city, Hammer also visited members of the Ladies in White movement, Yaima Elena Pérez López and Marbelis González Reyes, who reported that Cuban authorities are preventing them from attending Sunday mass. "Why?" questioned the embassy's official account, invoking the right to religious freedom.
Hammer held talks with prominent dissident and Sakharov Prize winner Guillermo "Coco" Fariñas, leader of the United Anti-Totalitarian Forum (FANTU), discussing his long-standing work in defending human rights. Hammer also shared a personal moment with Fariñas' nearly 90-year-old mother.
These statements and meetings occur amid a new diplomatic crisis, exacerbated by the imprisonment of José Daniel Ferrer, a key figure in Cuban dissent and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU). Ferrer was detained again this Tuesday, just three months after being released as part of an international agreement brokered by the Vatican and Washington.
The Cuban regime has criticized the U.S. diplomatic actions. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío accused Hammer of behaving as an "activist encouraging Cubans to act against their country."
Authorities claim Ferrer violated the terms of his parole by missing two court hearings. However, human rights organizations and international observers have condemned his arrest as another political punishment amid escalating repression.
The arrest followed a violent raid at the UNPACU headquarters in Santiago de Cuba, as reported by Ferrer's sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer. His wife, young son, and several activists were also detained during the operation.
Understanding the U.S. Embassy's Role in Cuban Dissidence
What actions has the U.S. Embassy in Cuba taken to support dissidents?
The U.S. Embassy has been actively engaging with families of political prisoners, dissidents, and human rights activists, sharing their stories and calling for the release of unjustly imprisoned individuals.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer and why is he significant?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent opposition leader and head of the Patriotic Union of Cuba. His recent arrest highlights ongoing political repression and has sparked international condemnation.
How has the Cuban regime responded to U.S. diplomatic actions?
The Cuban regime has criticized the U.S. Embassy's actions, accusing them of inciting anti-government activities, particularly targeting Chief of Mission Mike Hammer.