U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer on Wednesday in Washington, following Ferrer's arrival in the country after being forced into exile from Cuba. Rubio expressed his admiration for Ferrer's courage and resilience in standing up against the Cuban regime.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, Rubio emphasized "the bravery and resilience of Ferrer in the face of the Cuban regime's oppression, threats to his life, and the cruel treatment of him and his family."
During their discussion, Ferrer highlighted the humanitarian crisis faced by the eastern Cuban population after Hurricane Melissa. He stressed the importance of channeling U.S. humanitarian aid directly through the Catholic Church, instead of using regime-controlled institutions.
Rubio celebrated Ferrer's arrival in the U.S. and reiterated the U.S. government's commitment to the Cuban people's fight for freedom, prosperity, and democracy. He assured that Washington would continue to support efforts to hold the Cuban regime accountable for its human rights abuses.
The Secretary also acknowledged the work of Ferrer and other pro-democracy dissidents and activists, describing them as "crucial to the freedom movement on the island."
Later, the Secretary of State shared a message on his X account, stating: "I met with José Daniel Ferrer following his arrival in the United States, after years of oppression by the Cuban regime. We are glad he is free from that repression, and the United States continues to support Ferrer and all Cubans striving for freedom and justice."
During his visit to the U.S. capital, Ferrer was also welcomed by Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, who gathered with a group of former Cuban political prisoners, including Ana Lázara Rodríguez, Ángel de Fana, Maritza Lugo, and rapper El Funky.
Díaz-Balart shared images of the meeting on his official X account, writing: "I met with former Cuban political prisoners Ana Lázara Rodríguez, Ángel de Fana, José Daniel Ferrer, Maritza Lugo, and El Funky, who bravely shared their stories of persecution, imprisonment, and resistance under Cuba's brutal and murderous regime."
The congressman emphasized that the testimonies of the former prisoners serve as "a reminder of the suffering of over 1,100 political prisoners still unjustly detained in Cuba" and urged the international community to maintain solidarity with the Cuban people and demand the release of all political detainees.
Prior to his meetings in Washington, José Daniel Ferrer had announced on his Facebook profile that he was in the U.S. capital.
In a live broadcast, he explained that he planned to meet with "some important and supportive people," including peaceful prisoners and opposition members, as well as the families of those fighting for Cuba's freedom.
"With Cubans who strive for liberty, democracy, and the well-being of our homeland and our people," emphasized the opposition leader.
Key Figures in Cuban Political Resistance
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a prominent Cuban dissident known for his opposition to the Cuban regime. He was recently forced into exile and arrived in the United States, where he continues to advocate for Cuba's freedom and democracy.
What did Marco Rubio emphasize in his meeting with Ferrer?
Marco Rubio highlighted Ferrer's bravery and resilience against the Cuban regime's oppression and reassured the U.S. commitment to supporting the Cuban people's quest for liberty and democracy.
How did Ferrer suggest humanitarian aid be distributed in Cuba?
Ferrer suggested that U.S. humanitarian aid should be channeled directly through the Catholic Church to ensure it reaches those in need, bypassing regime-controlled institutions.