José Daniel Ferrer García, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and president of the Council for Democratic Transition in Cuba (CTDC), turned 54 this Monday, detained and isolated by the Cuban regime in Mar Verde prison, located in Santiago de Cuba.
This marks another birthday that Ferrer spends behind bars, following his arrest on July 11, 2021, during the massive and spontaneous protests against the Cuban dictatorship. The non-governmental organization (NGO) Prisoners Defenders highlighted the date with a short video, warning that the Cuban dissident is held in a sealed cell, where air circulation is virtually non-existent, and no outside view is possible.
Additionally, he does not receive sunlight and is subjected to constant noise within the cell. These conditions have caused Ferrer to suffer from severe headaches, ear ringing, oral bleeding, vision loss, cramps, and temporary paralysis of his hands.
Ferrer’s sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, who is exiled in the United States, told Martí Noticias that her brother is enduring inhumane conditions and continuous torture by the authorities to force him into exile.
José Daniel Ferrer is serving a four-year prison sentence imposed in February 2020 for the alleged crime of "injuries and deprivation of liberty" against a third party, which had initially been commuted to four and a half years of house arrest.
On March 18, 2024, Fátima Victoria Ferrer, the political prisoner’s daughter, managed to see him in prison after staging a protest at the entrance of Mar Verde to verify her father's wellbeing amid circulating rumors of his potential death. Ferrer is also one of the 75 dissidents jailed during the so-called Black Spring of 2003.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Imprisonment
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding José Daniel Ferrer's imprisonment and the conditions he faces in Mar Verde prison:
Why was José Daniel Ferrer arrested?
Ferrer was arrested on July 11, 2021, following massive protests against the Cuban regime. He is serving a four-year sentence for alleged "injuries and deprivation of liberty" against a third party.
What are the conditions in Mar Verde prison?
Ferrer is held in a sealed cell with poor air circulation, no sunlight, and constant noise, leading to severe health issues such as headaches, ear ringing, oral bleeding, vision loss, cramps, and temporary hand paralysis.
Has José Daniel Ferrer received any support from international organizations?
Yes, organizations like Prisoners Defenders have highlighted his plight and the inhumane conditions he faces in Mar Verde prison.