The well-known opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who founded the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was detained on Tuesday, April 29th. He was sent back to Mar Verde Prison in Santiago de Cuba after his conditional release was revoked, forcing him to serve an unjust sentence handed down in 2020.
Ferrer had been released from prison in January as part of a deal brokered between the Vatican and the U.S. government. However, the Cuban regime resumed its aggressive tactics, and the news of his return to Mar Verde was shared on X by his sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer. She relayed a message from Ferrer stating, "He was violently taken from the headquarters yesterday, transported to Mar Verde Prison, and beaten to force him into a common prisoner's uniform," she reported on the social media platform.
Outrage Over Political Retaliation
The regime's actions have sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, as many view this move as a politically motivated retaliation disguised as a legal measure.
Violence at UNPACU Headquarters
According to Ana Belkis, the operation at the UNPACU headquarters in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba was carried out with significant violence. Along with Ferrer, his wife Nelva Ismaray Ortega Tamayo, their young son Daniel José, and activists Roilán Zárraga Ferrer and Fernando González Vaillant were also arrested.
Accusations of Missing Court Hearings
Maricela Sosa, Vice President of the Supreme People's Court, informed Reuters that Ferrer's release was revoked due to his failure to attend two mandatory judicial hearings. Human rights advocates have condemned this justification as arbitrary, highlighting the constant surveillance and harassment that Ferrer endured, which complicated his ability to move freely.
Initially jailed in 2021 during the July 11th protests, Ferrer was under conditional release until his recent re-arrest. Now, he must serve the entirety of his previous 2020 sentence.
Target of a Smear Campaign
Prior to his arrest, the regime had escalated its campaign against Ferrer. An article in Granma labeled him a "mercenary" and accused him and Rosa María Payá of lobbying for international sanctions against the Cuban government.
Humanitarian Efforts Under Threat
Despite ongoing repression, Ferrer had ramped up his humanitarian work after his release, transforming the UNPACU headquarters into a center for assisting those in extreme poverty, providing essentials like food and medicine.
In a conversation with CiberCuba, Ferrer acknowledged the precarious nature of his freedom, stating, "I could be imprisoned at any moment." He recounted his experiences of isolation cells, prison violence, and his unwavering opposition to the regime from behind bars.
Activists believe Ferrer's humanitarian reputation was a significant factor in the regime's decision to silence him once more. His return to prison is not merely a blow to political activism but also to the humanitarian work the dictatorship refuses to accept. The silence enforced by the regime affects not just Ferrer, but a community that relies on solidarity to fill the void left by the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About José Daniel Ferrer's Imprisonment
Why was José Daniel Ferrer sent back to prison?
José Daniel Ferrer was sent back to prison after his conditional release was revoked. The regime claimed he failed to attend two mandatory judicial hearings, although many view this as a politically motivated action.
What is UNPACU?
UNPACU, or the Patriotic Union of Cuba, is an opposition group founded by José Daniel Ferrer. The organization is known for its activism against the Cuban regime and its humanitarian efforts to support the impoverished community.
What humanitarian work did Ferrer engage in?
After his release, José Daniel Ferrer intensified his humanitarian work by turning the UNPACU headquarters into a center for helping those in extreme poverty, offering food, medicine, and basic assistance.