On Monday, officials at Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba denied both a conjugal visit and any form of contact between opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer and his wife, Nelva Ismarays Ortega-Tamayo. In protest, Ortega-Tamayo staged a sit-in outside the prison, risking arrest. The family of Ferrer, who leads the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), has expressed grave concerns for his physical and mental well-being, holding the country's top authorities, the prison administration, and G2 agents accountable.
The refusal of the conjugal visit comes shortly after the release of a letter from Ferrer that reportedly angered the government. "It seems the regime was very upset with the letter Ferrer managed to get out of prison, which we published on Friday, the 3rd," noted the family on Ferrer's official page.
The incident follows the dissemination of Ferrer's letter, which heightened tensions around his situation. The family claims that ongoing restrictions hinder basic visits and communication, suggesting a deliberate effort to isolate Ferrer further and intensify punitive measures against him.
The Painful Decision of Exile
This past Friday, José Daniel Ferrer disclosed his decision to go into exile, describing it as a painful choice, made under intense pressure from the regime, and driven by the need to protect his family. In a handwritten letter dated September 10, 2025, Ferrer outlines a series of systematic abuses and reaffirms his commitment to the fight for Cuba's freedom.
Ferrer explains that he decided to leave the country prior to the April 29 raid on his home, which led to his return to prison after the revocation of his parole. He also claims that State Security has pressured him to use his exile to discredit the freedom movement, including manipulating his public image. Moreover, they allegedly wanted him to request that the United States and the Catholic Church resume negotiations with the regime.
Ferrer is resolute in his response: “I want to make it very 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.”
Key Questions About José Daniel Ferrer's Situation
What led to the denial of José Daniel Ferrer's conjugal visit?
The denial of Ferrer's conjugal visit occurred shortly after the release of a letter that he managed to smuggle out of prison, which reportedly angered the Cuban government.
Why did José Daniel Ferrer decide to go into exile?
Ferrer decided to go into exile under extreme pressure from the regime, motivated by the need to safeguard his family. He has faced a series of systematic abuses and pressures to discredit the freedom movement.
How has the Cuban regime reacted to Ferrer's letter?
The regime was reportedly very upset with Ferrer's letter, which has led to increased restrictions and isolation measures against him.