Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla launched a verbal attack against former political prisoners José Daniel Ferrer and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, labeling them as criminals during a press conference held in Havana.
This press event, attended by both foreign and state-aligned journalists, was organized in response to prominent Cuban dissidents and activists participating in a meeting at the United Nations on October 19, at the invitation of U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz.
Rodríguez Parrilla attempted to discredit the opposition figures who had spoken out against political repression in Cuba to international representatives. He cited their criminal records, made personal accusations, and displayed images intended to cast doubt on their accounts of abuse while imprisoned.
The foreign minister dismissed the U.S.-organized event as a "charade" designed to undermine the Cuban government and influence the upcoming vote at the General Assembly on the U.S. embargo, scheduled for October 27 and 28.
Ferrer Accused by the Cuban Foreign Minister
Rodríguez Parrilla directed some of his harshest criticisms at José Daniel Ferrer, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), who had been released and relocated to the United States after years of imprisonment and allegations of mistreatment.
"He's a convicted felon," the minister claimed, listing charges such as assault, bribery, and contempt. He alleged that Ferrer had repeatedly benefited from the so-called humanitarian nature of the Cuban penal system.
Rodríguez further accused Ferrer of being "misogynistic" and "an abuser of women," alleging he had assaulted a pregnant woman. However, no judicial documents were presented to support these claims.
The foreign minister also questioned Ferrer's torture allegations, showing a video from his imprisonment where Ferrer appeared to be hitting his own head while calling for help.
"Here's your image of torture," Rodríguez commented sarcastically, suggesting that Ferrer had fabricated his abuse claims.
This video snippet alone does not clarify the full extent of Ferrer's imprisonment experience nor disprove other mistreatment allegations.
Otero Alcántara: Criticism of an Artist
Rodríguez also attacked Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, an independent artist and a prominent figure in the San Isidro Movement, who was sentenced to five years in prison in 2022 but later released.
"Another criminal posing as an artist," Rodríguez stated, showcasing Otero's image to the journalists.
He questioned Otero's artistic credentials: "Has anyone ever seen a painting by this supposed painter?" and labeled him "a circus artist."
Rodríguez's remarks reduced Otero Alcántara's work to conventional painting, ignoring his contributions to performance art, conceptual art, and public interventions.
The minister listed accusations of contempt, affronting national symbols, and alleged health regulation violations during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting them as reasons why Otero should not be recognized as a political prisoner.
Rodríguez ridiculed the appearance of the two dissidents, now dressed formally in an international diplomatic setting, describing them as "gentlemen in suits and ties" and suggesting they were merely posing as representatives of Cubans abroad.
Accusations Against Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat
The foreign minister also targeted Orlando Gutiérrez Boronat, co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate, labeling him a "terrorist" and linking him to exile organizations allegedly working to destabilize Cuba's political system.
Rodríguez claimed that opposition groups have received millions of dollars from U.S. institutions, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
He mentioned allocations of hundreds of thousands of dollars and a total exceeding $30 million since 2020, but did not conclusively connect these funds to Gutiérrez Boronat or prove any misuse of funds.
Rodríguez criticized Gutiérrez's invitation to the UN meeting, noting his absence from the official event broadcast, and suggested it might have been due to the Cuban delegation's protests, although he offered no evidence of this connection.
The foreign minister dismissed the U.S. initiative as "ridiculous" yet "dangerous," arguing it was part of a campaign to pressure governments that traditionally support Cuba's resolution against the embargo.
Diplomatic Showdown at the UN
Rodríguez's comments follow an incident where Cuban diplomats staged a protest against the forum participants in New York.
Videos shared by Waltz showed Cuban officials, led by Permanent Representative Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, shouting "terrorists" and "liars" at the activists.
Soberón later released a mocking video implying a romantic relationship between Ferrer and Waltz, complete with hearts and music.
During the October 19 meeting, Ferrer denounced the torture and pressure he endured in prison, while Otero Alcántara advocated for Cubans' right to support a political project different from that of the Communist Party.
The U.S. ambassador defended the forum, asserting that Cuban authorities should cease their abuses if they wish to avoid such accusations.
This controversy arises just days before the General Assembly votes again on Cuba's resolution against the embargo. As Washington seeks to focus the debate on political repression and the Cuban government's responsibilities, Rodríguez continues to portray U.S. sanctions as the primary issue for the international community to address.
Key Questions About the UN Controversy and Cuban Dissidents
What accusations did Bruno Rodríguez make against José Daniel Ferrer?
Bruno Rodríguez accused José Daniel Ferrer of being a convicted felon, listing crimes such as assault, bribery, and contempt. He also labeled him a misogynist and an abuser of women, although no judicial proof was provided.
How did Rodríguez Parrilla describe the UN meeting organized by the U.S.?
Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed the meeting as a "charade" aimed at discrediting the Cuban government and influencing the General Assembly vote on the U.S. embargo.
What were the claims against Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara?
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara was labeled as a "criminal posing as an artist" by Rodríguez, who questioned his artwork and accused him of contempt and violating health regulations during the pandemic.