Nelva Ortega, the wife of political prisoner José Daniel Ferrer, claims her husband has been deprived of phone calls and family visits for a year and a half due to his confinement in a punishment cell. She asserts that he is the prisoner of conscience who "suffers the most confinement and repression in Cuba." "They are burying him alive, killing him slowly," she declared.
In an audio recording accessed by CiberCuba, Ortega details the isolation imposed on the general coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu), who was arrested on July 11, 2021, the day Cubans took to the streets to protest against the dictatorship. According to Ortega, her husband has been isolated not only from his family but also from the prison community.
Inhumane Conditions and Family Separation
Throughout this period, Nelva Ortega has tirelessly denounced the "cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions" her husband is subjected to, including "physical and psychological torture, poor-quality food, non-potable water, and lack of medical or dental care." She added that no family member has had contact with him, casting doubt on the authorities' claims that Ferrer is held in the notorious Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba.
Ortega mentioned she spoke to her husband for "two minutes" on April 1, 2023, following "persistent rumors of his death." Since then, she has had no further communication with him. "That very day, he completed his unjust sentence imposed by the Castro-Canel regime to keep him off the streets, yet he remains detained. Since March 3, 2023, he has been denied the ten-minute weekly phone call he is entitled to by regulation," she added.
Continued Denial of Family Visits
On September 3, 2024, Nelva Ortega, along with her stepdaughter Fátima Victoria and Ferrer's young son Daniel José, attempted to visit him at Mar Verde. For the eighteenth time, prison authorities and the "misnamed" State Security denied them entry, allowing only the delivery of food, hygiene items, and some medications.
"Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel, you dictators, are ultimately responsible for his physical and psychological well-being. We will continue to demand not only the right to hear him and see him but also the end of the abuse, torture, and reprisals against him, as well as his immediate and unconditional release. We call on the international community, including individuals, organizations, institutions, parliamentarians, democratic governments, and supporters of freedom, democracy, and justice, to join our campaign for my husband's freedom," Ortega stated.
Finally, Nelva Ortega expressed her gratitude on behalf of Ferrer's family to all those supporting his nomination for the Sájarov Prize for Freedom of Thought and those advocating for proof of life. "Actions like these can save my husband's life, forcing the dictatorship to show him to us," she concluded, demanding the release of all Cuban political prisoners.
Frequently Asked Questions about José Daniel Ferrer's Detention
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the situation of José Daniel Ferrer and his detention conditions.
Who is José Daniel Ferrer?
José Daniel Ferrer is a Cuban political prisoner and the general coordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu). He was arrested on July 11, 2021, during peaceful protests against the Cuban government.
What are the conditions of his imprisonment?
According to his wife, Nelva Ortega, Ferrer is held in cruel, inhumane, and degrading conditions, including physical and psychological torture, poor-quality food, non-potable water, and lack of medical care.
Why hasn't the family had contact with him?
Ferrer has been isolated from his family and the prison community. His wife reports that he has been denied phone calls and family visits for a year and a half.