Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer spent yet another birthday behind bars as the United States government condemned his continued imprisonment and reiterated its support for those who stand against the regime. This message was broadcast on Wednesday by the U.S. Department of State's Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs via their official account on the social media platform X, where they denounced Ferrer's detention as unjust and reaffirmed their commitment to human rights in Cuba.
"Yesterday, José Daniel Ferrer marked another birthday unjustly imprisoned. The United States does not forget his bravery nor the resilience of countless Cubans who have stood up to a criminal and illegitimate regime," the statement declared. In the same post, the U.S. government emphasized its ongoing efforts to hold accountable those responsible for his detention, for their complicity in human rights violations.
Rosa María Payá, the current commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, highlighted on X that Ferrer turned 55, once again under the weight of unjust political imprisonment. "Like Félix Navarro, they have been kidnapped by the dictatorship for three months in the harshest of prisons," she asserted.
Johanna Cilano from Amnesty International joined the chorus on X, demanding Ferrer's immediate and unconditional release, reminding that the opposition leader is spending yet another birthday in prison, "subjected to cruel, inhuman treatment and torture, far from his family and children." Cilano stressed that Ferrer has been declared a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International and that his leadership and fight for human rights in Cuba "have inspired many around the world."
"His commitment to a different Cuba and humanitarian work stand as a great example," the activist declared in her message, insisting that José Daniel should not be incarcerated and called for the freedom of all individuals in Cuba who are imprisoned for political reasons.
On Tuesday, Ferrer turned 55, but he did so confined in a punishment cell at the Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, under conditions that both his family and human rights organizations describe as "cruel, inhuman, and degrading." There are no hugs, no cake, no celebration—only the echo of confinement, physical deterioration, and the political violence of a regime that has turned his anniversary into a muted cry amid the silence of repression.
Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), was re-arrested in April after the regime revoked his parole, alleging a supposed contempt for failing to appear before a judge. Since then, he has reportedly been subjected to beatings, threats, torture, deprivation of medical care, and confinement with common prisoners used as a psychological pressure tactic.
His wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega-Tamayo, was the only person allowed to see him in a recent visit tightly controlled and monitored by State Security. She found him weak, with a persistent cough, a burst eardrum, muscle pains, and symptoms that could indicate tuberculosis. Out of fear of contagion, he did not even dare to kiss his loved ones.
The opposition leader remains in a cell infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, forced to drink dirty water, with no access to medication or minimal healthcare after declaring a hunger strike on June 29 as a form of protest. Despite his fragile condition, Ferrer continues to express his will to resist but has made it clear that he fears for his life and the safety of his family, who have been threatened.
Questions on José Daniel Ferrer's Imprisonment
Why is José Daniel Ferrer in prison?
José Daniel Ferrer was re-arrested in April after the regime revoked his parole, accusing him of contempt for not appearing before a judge.
What conditions is Ferrer facing in prison?
Ferrer is held in a cell infested with bedbugs and mosquitoes, forced to drink dirty water, without access to medication or adequate healthcare.
What actions has the U.S. taken regarding Ferrer's imprisonment?
The U.S. has condemned his imprisonment, labeled it as unjust, and reiterated support for those opposing the Cuban regime, committing to hold responsible parties accountable for human rights violations.