The well-known opposition figure, José Daniel Ferrer, has informed his family that he is facing charges of spreading propaganda against the constitutional order and showing disrespect towards Miguel Díaz-Canel. This information was shared by his sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, who also described how José Daniel was "severely handcuffed and brutally beaten" to force him into wearing a common prisoner's uniform.
Ana Belkis explained that Ferrer's wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, along with their young son, were allowed to visit him for the first time since his return to prison. However, the visit lasted only three minutes. In contrast, Ferrer's cousin, Daniel, who accompanied the family, was detained at a checkpoint and "taken to a police station."
Upon arriving at Mar Verde, Nelva was told she could see José Daniel for just one minute. Her belongings were searched, and half of the items were sent back. Ultimately, the visit was limited to a mere three minutes. During the encounter, José Daniel appeared in shorts and seemed weakened due to persistent diarrhea, Ana Belkis recounted.
Ferrer also expressed concern for the vulnerable individuals who relied on his organization for daily meals. He extended his gratitude to supportive friends and sent Mother's Day greetings to all mothers.
In late April, after three months of freedom, the Cuban regime arrested the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) following the revocation of his conditional release, which had been part of an agreement negotiated between the Vatican and the United States government. Maricela Sosa, Vice President of the Supreme People's Court, claimed that Ferrer violated the terms of his release by failing to attend two mandatory court hearings, which she stated was a breach of Cuban law.
The arrest occurred during a security operation at the UNPACU headquarters in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. At 54, José Daniel Ferrer has been a vocal critic of the Cuban regime for over two decades, facing numerous arrests and convictions for his political activism.
After his release, Ferrer continued to condemn the dictatorship on social media while undertaking humanitarian efforts amid Cuba's systemic crisis, which has significantly increased the number of people living in extreme poverty and vulnerability. This humanitarian work particularly irked regime enforcers, who closely monitored and surrounded the UNPACU headquarters to disrupt the flow of people seeking daily meals or access to healthcare and medication.
The respect and popularity garnered by Ferrer García's humanitarian actions have added to the concerns of the dictatorial regime's repressive system, which has gone to great lengths to halt UNPACU's social endeavors, from arresting collaborators to exerting pressure and issuing threats to aid recipients.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Arrest
What are the charges against José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is charged with spreading propaganda against the constitutional order and disrespecting Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Why was José Daniel Ferrer's conditional release revoked?
His conditional release was revoked because he allegedly failed to attend two mandatory court hearings, which the authorities considered a violation of Cuban law.
What impact has José Daniel Ferrer's humanitarian work had?
Ferrer’s humanitarian efforts have been critical amid Cuba's crisis, helping those in extreme poverty. However, it has also made him a target of the regime's repressive measures.