Otaola Comments on José Daniel Ferrer's Decision to Accept Exile

The Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has delivered a strong statement following the recent letter from prison penned by opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer. In the letter, Ferrer announced his acceptance of forced exile as a consequence of enduring years of torture and pressure from the Cuban regime. Otaola did not hold back in praising Ferrer's courage and journey, asserting that the opposition leader deserves more than anyone else to "breathe the air of freedom," to be welcomed in the United States as a "hero" and as a "martyr, but alive."

The Urgency of Ferrer's Freedom

"I believe Ferrer deserves to regain his emotional stability, to reunite with his family, and to breathe freedom," Otaola passionately declared during his program on Friday. He emphasized that keeping Ferrer in prison serves no purpose other than personal deterioration. "Does Ferrer deserve to come here? Absolutely. He has done everything within his power. I believe he deserves to be a patriot and a martyr, but alive, a living hero. Remaining in prison will achieve nothing, nor will a hunger strike that ends in death," he insisted.

Criticism of Complacency and Regime's Strategy

Otaola, also a Cuban-American activist, criticized the apathy of those who once benefited from Ferrer's sacrifices. "Not even the hungry who were fed at Ferrer's house have had the dignity to protest outside the prison where he has been held since April after having his January release revoked," he denounced.

While supporting Ferrer's decision to accept exile, Otaola expressed doubt about its realization, suggesting it might be a calculated move by the regime. "I believe Ferrer deserves to be here, and I think he's right to come here," he stated, though he acknowledged his skepticism: "In my view, it's a strategy by the regime."

A Life Dedicated to Freedom

Reflecting on Ferrer's history of activism, Otaola highlighted his time in Castro's prisons since the Black Spring and his role among the Group of 75. "A brave man, a brave patriot, who has dedicated several years of his life to Castro's prisons, from the Black Spring crisis to now, from the Group of 75 and long before that in the cause for freedom. He has lost youth, strength, health, and has given time, energy, and life to the cause," Otaola stated.

In Otaola's analysis, Ferrer's letter was written "under complete pressure," with family stability being a significant factor. "I'm sure family stability is also a crucial pressure, and I think that's the main weakness they found in Ferrer. He even says in the letter: I'm doing it for my family," he remarked. Nevertheless, Otaola reiterated his doubts about an immediate release.

Potential Manipulation Tactics

Otaola suspects this could be a maneuver by the State Security, aiming to create a narrative of defeat and surrender. "I believe this is a move by the State Security, once again. Ferrer agreed to leave, but just like they did to Maykel Osorbo and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, who were ready to leave, and then the State Security didn't let them leave," he stated. "The idea is to portray the patriot as broken, willing to compromise and negotiate," he added.

Despite everything, Otaola expressed hope that the UNPACU leader might finally be released from prison: "Welcome, Ferrer, I hope he is released, but I repeat: I don't believe that will happen, especially not now."

Ferrer’s Indispensable Role in Cuba’s Future

Otaola concluded by emphasizing Ferrer's symbolic and political significance. Should he reach exile, Otaola believes Ferrer's presence would be strengthened internationally. "Ferrer is an integral figure, and if he were to arrive in the United States, he would become an important and recognized voice on an international level. From inside the dungeon, he is merely a confined symbol," Otaola opined.

He concluded with a resolute statement: "I believe the end of the dictatorship is closer than we think. This desperation by the regime to portray Ferrer as a false leader to Cubans both inside and outside the island is due to their awareness that everything is collapsing around them."

Regime Blocking Ferrer's Exit

Previously, Nelva Ismaray Ortega, Ferrer's wife, accused the regime of blocking his departure from the country and subjecting him to psychological torture. In an interview with Mario J. Pentón for Martí Noticias, Ortega revealed that the UNPACU founder is under "psychological pressure and systematic torture" after accepting the forced exile imposed by the regime. Ortega explained that the family has been "waiting for months to be given a departure date, but they continue withholding our documents and pressuring him to make statements in favor of dialogue between the regime and the United States, something he will never agree to."

She also described her husband as "pale, with many signs of torture and bug bites," and that rains have flooded his cell. "He would rather die than surrender, but the situation is dire. This week the regime is supposed to decide whether to allow him to leave the country; if not, he will choose to remain in prison," she said. "They have taken almost everything from us, but not our morality," she concluded.