The Cuban regime strikes against the head of the U.S. Embassy after imprisoning Ferrer

The new arrest of prominent Cuban opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer has heightened tensions between the Cuban government and the diplomatic representation of the United States on the Island.

Following his imprisonment this Tuesday—just three months after being released as part of an international agreement—the regime is directing its criticisms at the head of the U.S. diplomatic mission, Mike Hammer, whom it accuses of interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, publicly lashed out at Hammer from his account on the social media platform X, implying that the diplomat behaves like an activist inciting subversion.

"Does Cuba have the right to defend itself against U.S. aggression, to oppose having the U.S. diplomatic chief in Havana be an activist who encourages Cubans to act against their country, and to enact laws against those who act as agents of a hostile foreign power? That is the question," he said.

Cuban authorities arrested opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), this Tuesday after revoking his parole, which had been granted only three months ago as part of a negotiated agreement between the Vatican and the United States government.

The regime's verbal onslaught occurs just hours after security forces stormed the UNPACU headquarters in Altamira, Santiago de Cuba, and arrested Ferrer once again.

According to her sister Ana Belkis Ferrer on social media, the operation was violent: the home was "completely ransacked," and in addition to Ferrer, his wife, his younger son, and several activists who were present were also arrested.

This detention of Ferrer occurs under the pretext that he violated the conditions of his conditional release by failing to appear at two court hearings, stated the Vice President of the People's Supreme Court, Maricela Sosa.

However, the measure has been interpreted by activists and international observers as a significant setback in the timid opening that the regime had shown by releasing some political prisoners.

The visit of Mike Hammer, the center of the new diplomatic conflict

The Cuban regime has placed special emphasis on the relationship between Ferrer and the United States Embassy.

In February, Mike Hammer visited the UNPACU headquarters and had an extended conversation with Ferrer, which also included other opposition members.

The activist reported on his social media that the meeting was "cordial and productive," and he highlighted the solidarity shown by the United States towards Cuban political prisoners.

After being released from prison, the Cuban activist had a "very positive and cordial" telephone conversation with the diplomat.

At that moment, Ferrer expressed his optimism about a future in which both nations would maintain "friendly governments and deep and respectful political and economic relations."

Days earlier, Hammer had expressed satisfaction with the release of the opposition member, after three and a half years in prison.

The U.S. diplomat posted on social media his hope that more political prisoners would be released soon, in line with the State Department's campaign "Prisoners for what?", which condemns arbitrary detentions in Cuba.

However, what once seemed like a potential turning point in the bilateral relationship has turned into a new source of friction.

The official rhetoric of the regime has begun to portray the diplomatic chief as a "foreign activist" and to suggest that the actions of the United States embassy exceed the acceptable limits of diplomacy.

The political backdrop and constant repression

José Daniel Ferrer, 54 years old, is a central figure in Cuban opposition activism. Founder of UNPACU, he has been imprisoned multiple times for his peaceful activism and his persistent denunciation of state repression.

Since his last release, he had devoted himself to humanitarian work from his base in Santiago, providing food, medical care, and basic support to a population increasingly affected by the economic and social crisis on the island.

Nevertheless, this work—aside from the official propaganda of the State—was seen as a threat. From the very moment of his release, the headquarters of UNPACU was subjected to surveillance and police siege, in an attempt to cut off the flow of people who came daily in search of help.

The repression against Ferrer and his surroundings has continued even after his re-imprisonment. Activists report arbitrary detentions, confiscations, and acts of harassment against supporters of UNPACU and family members of the opposition figure.

The response from Washington and the future of relations

The U.S. government has not yet issued an official response to Ferrer's new imprisonment or to the verbal attacks from the Cuban regime against its embassy.

However, the U.S. administration has made it clear on multiple occasions that the defense of human rights in Cuba will remain a priority, and has consistently supported opposition leaders such as Ferrer.

Ferrer’s imprisonment is nothing more than a vendetta against his activism and the relationships he has maintained with international representatives.

The regime's message is clear: any attempt at foreign mediation, even through diplomatic channels, will be interpreted as intervention and treated as a threat.

In that context, Ferrer's return to prison is not just a personal setback but a symbol of how the Cuban power elite has decided to unite against any possibility of openness or dialogue with the international community.

Frequently asked questions about the detention of José Daniel Ferrer and the diplomatic conflict between Cuba and the U.S.