The United States government has called on the Cuban regime to provide immediate proof of life for opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, who has reportedly suffered torture, beatings, abuse, and humiliation at Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba. The demand was made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The Cuban regime continues to torture pro-democracy activist José Daniel Ferrer. The United States demands immediate proof of life and the release of all political prisoners.”
José Daniel Ferrer, the head of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), has reportedly endured daily beatings since June 25th. This began when Lieutenant Colonel Vladimir Pineda Guerra allegedly initiated a “brutal beating” against him, joined by Lieutenant Chacón (second in command), Captain José Miguel Hechavarría Gorget (head of Internal Order), Major Luis Yanez Herrera (head of Educational Treatment), and Captain Liván Laugart Riquelme (chief of staff), according to his family.
Thus far, the Cuban government has not publicly responded to Washington's demand. Cuba maintains its stance of labeling Ferrer as a “foreign-funded destabilizing agent” while denying accusations of torture and disappearance. On June 29th, Ferrer began a hunger strike to protest his unjust imprisonment and the inhumane conditions he faces behind bars.
His sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, noted that he had planned to start his hunger strike on July 1st but advanced the date due to worsening prison conditions. Reasons for this drastic action include mistreatment, abuse, starvation, lack of medical care, spoiled food, and contaminated water causing illness among inmates.
Since his latest arrest on April 29th, Ferrer has been subjected to harsh detention conditions. The regime revoked his parole without clear legal justification, perceived by international observers as political retaliation. He was immediately transferred to Mar Verde prison to serve a sentence imposed in 2020, a process deemed arbitrary by human rights organizations. In mid-May, Ferrer informed his family that he was being charged with propaganda against the constitutional order and disrespect toward Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Key Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Situation
What prompted the United States to demand proof of life for José Daniel Ferrer?
The United States demanded proof of life for José Daniel Ferrer due to reports of his torture, beatings, and abuse in a Cuban prison. The call was made as part of the broader demand for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba.
What are the conditions José Daniel Ferrer is facing in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer is reportedly facing severe conditions in prison, including daily beatings, lack of medical care, malnutrition, and exposure to contaminated water and spoiled food, which have led to illnesses among inmates.
How has the Cuban government responded to international demands regarding José Daniel Ferrer?
As of now, the Cuban government has not publicly responded to international demands for proof of life and the release of José Daniel Ferrer. They continue to portray him as a foreign-funded destabilizing agent while denying allegations of torture.