The Cuban dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, released an open letter on Thursday addressed to the leadership and ranks of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). In his plea, Ferrer calls on them to facilitate political change in Cuba and to cease being "tools of repression."
In the letter, dated January 8 in Miami, Ferrer highlighted that the nation is experiencing "the worst crisis in seven decades." This crisis is characterized by severe economic, energy, social, health, and food shortages, as well as a mass exodus of citizens seeking better living conditions abroad.
Referring to recent events in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Ferrer urged the military and MININT to join the call for change in Cuba.
The Call for Democratic Transition
Ferrer encouraged military and law enforcement personnel to "be protagonists" in a democratic transition, advising them not to oppose a process of change that he described as inevitable.
He outlined goals such as holding free elections, fostering political pluralism, and drafting a new Constitution "for all and for the good of all."
International Context and Political Prisoners
The letter also referenced warnings from the United States government to Chavista leaders and the Cuban government, describing the international environment as unfavorable for authoritarian regimes in Latin America.
Ferrer further condemned the presence of numerous political prisoners in Cuban jails, referring to them as "prisoners of conscience" who are incarcerated for opposing the directives of the Communist Party.
He demanded their immediate release.
Historical Responsibility and Global Examples
In concluding his message, the opposition leader appealed to the historical responsibility of the armed forces, citing examples from countries like Portugal, the Philippines, and Romania, where military sectors broke away from authoritarian governments and supported popular demands.
Understanding José Daniel Ferrer's Call for Change in Cuba
Why did José Daniel Ferrer address the military and MININT in his letter?
Ferrer addressed the military and MININT to urge them to support political change in Cuba and stop being instruments of repression.
What reasons did Ferrer give for the need for change in Cuba?
Ferrer cited Cuba's severe economic, social, health, and food crises, along with a mass exodus of citizens, as key reasons for political change.
What international examples did Ferrer mention to support his argument?
Ferrer referenced transitions in Portugal, the Philippines, and Romania, where military sectors supported democratic demands against authoritarian regimes.