The European Parliament expressed grave concern on Wednesday over the recent detention of Cuban dissidents José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, both prominent human rights advocates on the island. These arrests follow closely after Ferrer's testimony before the European Parliament's Human Rights Subcommittee, where he detailed abuses and torture he endured in Cuban prisons.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Mounir Satouri, the chair of the subcommittee and a French Member of the European Parliament from the Green Party, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of both dissidents. He also called for assurances regarding their physical well-being and the official confirmation of their whereabouts. "We urge the Cuban authorities to uphold fundamental rights and ensure that all citizens can express themselves without fear of retribution, even when their views are dissenting," emphasized Satouri.
Ferrer, who leads the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was previously unable to participate live in a parliamentary hearing on April 8 due to a power outage but managed to send a pre-recorded video. In this video, he described inhumane conditions and torture faced during his earlier imprisonment. His recent arrest occurred on Tuesday following a police raid on his home, which also serves as UNPACU's headquarters, located in the Altamira district of Santiago de Cuba.
State-Organized Repression and Propaganda
On the following day, the regime orchestrated a show of defamation outside his residence. This event included children in school uniforms, accompanied by teachers and plainclothes State Security agents. The children chanted slogans such as "Fidel, Fidel!" and "Long live the revolution!"—an act heavily criticized by human rights activists and organizations. Ana Belkis Ferrer, the opposition leader's sister, reported that these children were mobilized without parental consent, a practice previously documented as part of the state's indoctrination tactics.
"Using children as political propaganda tools is unacceptable. This not only violates their rights but also highlights the moral decay of the regime," the activist declared on social media.
Political Tensions and International Response
Ferrer and Navarro were released from custody in January of this year following a mediation effort by the Vatican and the United States government, having been detained since the July 11, 2021 protests. However, Cuban authorities recently claimed that the activists violated the terms of their release, leading to the revocation of their conditional freedom.
The European Union has stated it will continue to closely monitor the situation in Cuba, utilizing "all available mechanisms" under the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. "The EU reiterates its solidarity with those who peacefully strive for a freer, democratic, and inclusive Cuba," concluded the official statement from the European Parliament.
Understanding the Impact of Cuban Activism
Who are José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban dissident and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), while Félix Navarro is also a well-known human rights activist. Both have been involved in advocating for democratic reforms in Cuba.
What is the significance of their recent arrest?
Their arrest underscores the ongoing suppression of dissent in Cuba and has drawn international criticism, highlighting the regime's disregard for human rights and its efforts to silence political opposition.
How has the European Union responded to these arrests?
The European Union has expressed deep concern and has called for their immediate release. It has committed to monitoring the situation in Cuba and using all diplomatic channels to support human rights and democratic principles on the island.