Cuban activist Rosa María Payá has voiced her support for José Daniel Ferrer following his decision to go into exile. In a statement shared on X, Payá emphasized Ferrer's lifelong dedication to Cuba's freedom and condemned the inhumane torture he faces in Cuban prisons. "Choosing survival is an act of resistance; it stands for the dignity of an entire people. José remains unyielding, and we will stand by him always," she declared.
This statement comes amid growing reports of the dire conditions Ferrer, the opposition leader and general coordinator of UNPACU, endures. From its Facebook page, the Cuba Decide platform issued an urgent alert, accusing the Cuban regime of subjecting Ferrer to cruel treatment in Santiago de Cuba's Mar Verde prison. "We demand his immediate release," the organization urged, referencing a handwritten letter from Ferrer himself that likened the prison to "a Nazi-style concentration camp."
In the letter dated September 10, 2025, and shared by his family, Ferrer confirmed his decision to go into exile to safeguard his wife and children after enduring years of beatings, threats, and persecution. While he described the decision as painful, he framed it as a strategic act of resistance rather than surrender. Ferrer also highlighted efforts to manipulate his image and use his departure to undermine the fight for Cuban freedom.
Voices of Support and Criticism
Reactions to Ferrer's decision were swift. Activists like Carolina Barrero viewed the exile as "a new battlefield" for Ferrer, while filmmaker Lilo Vilaplana welcomed him with, "You have given everything for a free Cuba." Yaxys D. Cires from the Cuban Human Rights Observatory praised Ferrer's "fight for freedom and democracy" and demanded the release of all political prisoners.
U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar described Ferrer as an "unquestionable symbol of resistance" forced into exile, condemning the regime as "cruel and cowardly" and urging the "free world" not to remain indifferent.
Public Reaction and Support
Cuban citizens expressed varied reactions on social media, with some supporting Ferrer's decision as a necessary step to protect his life and family, acknowledging the significant personal cost he has endured. Others expressed regret that a prominent opponent was driven to exile by an unchanging oppressive system.
Through this move, José Daniel Ferrer reaffirms his dedication to the struggle for Cuban freedom, now continuing his advocacy from abroad, making it clear that exile does not equate to abandoning his cause.
Understanding José Daniel Ferrer's Exile
Why did José Daniel Ferrer decide to go into exile?
José Daniel Ferrer decided to go into exile to protect his family and himself from continuous persecution and inhumane treatment by the Cuban regime.
What has been the international reaction to Ferrer's exile?
Internationally, Ferrer's decision has been met with support from activists and politicians, including U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, who called for global attention to Cuba's oppressive regime.
How has the Cuban public reacted to Ferrer's exile?
The Cuban public has shown mixed reactions, with some supporting Ferrer's move as a necessary action for safety, while others lament the situation forcing a prominent dissident into exile.