On Monday, Nelva Ismarays Ortega, the wife of Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, was detained and threatened after protesting the authorities' refusal to allow her a conjugal visit at Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, where Ferrer is incarcerated. Ana Belkis Ferrer García, Ferrer's sister and a key figure in the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), reported via Facebook that the denial came from Captain Liván Laguart Riquelme, identified as the "head of the collective or reeducator" of the prison's 15th unit. Without being given any reasons for the decision, Nelva protested in front of the prison.
Arrested Outside the Prison
Around 12:30 p.m., law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. Among them was Mario Raciel Soularys Garcés, who was on a motorcycle, accompanied by an officer identifying himself as Sub-lieutenant Carlos, along with a police patrol car carrying two officers of the National Revolutionary Police (PNR). The officers informed her that she needed to accompany them to the Center for Investigations and Operations at Versalles—referred to by activists as the "torture center" in Santiago de Cuba—to receive an "explanation" regarding the denied visit.
Nelva was taken to the center and left in a patrol car under the sun for about half an hour before being brought into an office where several agents, including Major Raúl, were present. The encounter was recorded by another individual with a camera.
Threats Over Social Media Posts
During the interrogation, the agents warned her that this was her "final warning" concerning her social media posts about Ferrer's situation and her criticisms of the Cuban authorities. They cautioned that if any further videos or messages emerged denouncing the situation, the process for Ferrer and his family to leave the country would "regress," and she could face imprisonment.
Nelva was released around 2:00 p.m., after receiving multiple threats, without any explanation given for the denial of the conjugal visit.
Ferrer’s Painful Decision
Last Friday, José Daniel Ferrer disclosed that he has reluctantly decided to go into exile, a choice made under intense pressure from the regime, driven by the need to safeguard 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 notes that he decided to leave the country prior to the raid on his home on April 29, when he was returned to prison after his conditional release was revoked. He also states that the State Security demanded he use his exile to discredit the freedom movement, including manipulating his image.
Additionally, Ferrer claims the authorities wanted him to request that the United States and the Catholic Church resume negotiations with the regime. Ferrer is unequivocal: “I want to make it very clear that if my life and my family's depend on asking for such things, I would prefer to die in this Nazi-style concentration camp. I am prepared to die, but not to live without honor, without dignity.”
Understanding the Situation of José Daniel Ferrer
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban opposition leader and a key figure in the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), known for his vocal criticism of the Cuban regime and advocacy for political change.
Why was Nelva Ismarays Ortega detained?
She was detained for protesting the authorities' refusal to allow a conjugal visit with her husband, José Daniel Ferrer, who is imprisoned in Santiago de Cuba, and for her social media posts critical of the Cuban government.
What led to Ferrer's decision to go into exile?
Ferrer decided to go into exile due to extreme pressures from the Cuban regime and to protect his family. He was also facing demands from the authorities to discredit the freedom movement and request diplomatic negotiations.