Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer has announced his intention to seek exile with his family, as revealed in a letter shared by his relatives. This decision has sparked a flood of public support from activists, artists, and politicians both within and outside of Cuba. Among the voices of encouragement, activist Carolina Barrero stated she had read the letter penned from Mar Verde prison, where Ferrer made his intentions known, expressing her "unconditional support" for him and his family, viewing exile as "a new battleground."
Filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana welcomed Ferrer's decision with a heartfelt "Welcome to freedom, patriot," while Yaxys D. Cires, the director of the Cuban Human Rights Observatory, praised Ferrer's "fight for freedom and democracy" and called for the release of political prisoners. "He has my full support, solidarity, and admiration. He is a great patriot and fighter for freedom and democracy in Cuba. Freedom for political prisoners," Cires declared.
From the United States, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar described the Cuban regime as "cruel and cowardly," and hailed Ferrer as an "undeniable symbol of resistance" forced into exile, urging the "free world" not to remain indifferent to his plight.
Social media has also been filled with messages from citizens endorsing Ferrer's choice for the safety of his family, acknowledging the significant personal sacrifices he has made. Many urged him not to risk his life in prison. "Man of honor. You are right to leave Cuba; it's not worth it," wrote one user, criticizing the Cuban populace's past indifference to the struggles of dissidents.
Another commentator, branding him a hero, emphasized: "You don't deserve to die in the dungeons of that dictatorship for a people who will forget your sacrifices as soon as their basic needs are met."
A Painful Decision Under Pressure
Writing from Santiago de Cuba's Mar Verde prison, Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), confessed that his decision to go into exile was a painful one, driven by intense pressure from the regime and the need to ensure his family's safety.
In a handwritten letter dated September 10, 2025, Ferrer exposed a series of systematic abuses and reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for Cuba's freedom. "For years, I have endured brutal beatings, torture, humiliation, threats of death, and other cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatments," his letter begins, shared by his family on social media.
He also highlighted the relentless persecution faced by his family, attributing this violence to the regime's attempts to force him into exile or abandon his activism. Ferrer recounted deciding to leave Cuba following a raid on his home on April 29, when he was returned to prison after his parole was revoked.
Furthermore, he revealed that State Security has pressured him to use his exile to discredit the freedom struggle, attempting to manipulate his image through videos and recordings. "They intended to release materials questioning our commitment to the struggle... portraying us as supposed agents of tyranny," Ferrer wrote.
There were even efforts to coerce him into marrying his beloved partner, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, on a date symbolic to the Castro regime. Additionally, he reported being pressured to request that the United States and the Catholic Church resume negotiations with the regime. Ferrer was resolute: "I want to make it clear that if my life and that of my family depend on making such requests, I would rather die in this Nazi-style concentration camp... I am ready to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity."
Frequently Asked Questions About José Daniel Ferrer's Exile Decision
Why is José Daniel Ferrer considering exile?
José Daniel Ferrer is contemplating exile due to extreme pressures from the Cuban regime and the need to protect his family from persecution and systematic abuses.
What support has Ferrer received for his decision?
Ferrer has received widespread support from activists, artists, and politicians, both in Cuba and internationally, who praise his courage and commitment to the fight for freedom and democracy.
How has Ferrer described his treatment by the Cuban regime?
Ferrer has described his treatment as involving brutal beatings, torture, humiliation, and threats of death, along with attempts to discredit his activism.