Dozens of Cuban exiles and activists gathered this Saturday, despite the rain, in front of the Versailles restaurant on the iconic Calle Ocho in Miami, to demand the immediate release of political prisoners José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, who were recently arrested by the Cuban regime following the revocation of their parole.
The demonstration, according to information from Martí Noticias, was called by the Democracy Movement, the Cuban Patriotic Union Exile Movement (UNPACU), and had the support of the Ladies in White.
During the event, the participants chanted slogans, sang songs in support of the internal opposition, and reaffirmed their commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy on the island.
Among the attendees was Luis Enrique Ferrer, brother of the founder of UNPACU, who denounced the systematic violations of human rights that his brother José Daniel suffers.
The activist Ramón Saúl Sánchez, leader of the Democracy Movement, also participated, urgently calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with Cuban political prisoners.
When asked about the reason for the protest, Sánchez stated, "to stop the abuses against people, against José Daniel Ferrer, against Félix Navarro, against Sayli Navarro, against the other girls and boys who are imprisoned, against the other political prisoners who are in jail merely for exercising a right that is recognized worldwide, except in places where there is tyranny, like in Cuba, unfortunately."
José Daniel Ferrer, founder of UNPACU, was arrested on April 29 after the revocation of his probation. The political prisoner was violently taken to Mar Verde prison in Santiago de Cuba, where, according to reports from his sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer, he was beaten to be forced to wear the prisoner's uniform.
Ferrer had been released last January as part of an agreement negotiated between the Vatican and the United States government. During his brief freedom, he engaged in humanitarian work from the UNPACU headquarters, providing food, medicine, and assistance to people in extreme poverty. Activists claim that his growing social prestige was a significant reason for silencing him once again.
The UNPACU headquarters was violently raided and several relatives of Ferrer were also detained, including his wife Nelva Ismaray Ortega Tamayo and his youngest son, Daniel José.
The regime justified the measure claiming that the opponent did not attend two mandatory court hearings, an argument deemed arbitrary by his defenders, given the constant harassment he faced.
On his part, Félix Navarro, 72 years old and a former prisoner of the Group of 75, was accused of leaving his municipality without permission on seven occasions, thereby violating alleged restrictions imposed after his conditional release, official sources reported.
Despite his advanced age and fragile health, the regime returned him to prison, citing legal formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Imprisonment of José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro
Why were José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro imprisoned again?
José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro have been imprisoned again following the revocation of their parole. The Cuban regime claims that Ferrer failed to attend two mandatory court hearings, while Navarro was accused of leaving his municipality without permission on seven occasions. However, these actions are seen by many as arbitrary and politically motivated to silence dissenting voices.
What has been the international community's reaction to the arrest of Ferrer and Navarro?
The international community has expressed its concern and condemnation regarding the arrest of Ferrer and Navarro. The United States and the European Parliament have demanded their immediate release and denounced the brutal treatment received during their imprisonment. Various human rights organizations have also raised their voices, emphasizing the lack of due process guarantees and the use of the judicial system to suppress peaceful opposition in Cuba.
What role does UNPACU play in Cuban political activism?
The Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) is one of the most active opposition organizations on the island. Founded by José Daniel Ferrer, UNPACU is dedicated to coordinating civic resistance, demanding democratic reforms, and denouncing human rights violations in Cuba. The movement also engages in humanitarian work, such as distributing food and medicine, which has earned it respect and popularity among the people, but also repression from the regime.
What actions has the Cuban government taken against the family of José Daniel Ferrer?
The Cuban government has arrested several members of José Daniel Ferrer's family, including his wife Nelva Ismaray Ortega Tamayo and his youngest son, Daniel José. These actions are viewed as part of a campaign to harass and silence Ferrer and those around him, in an attempt to dismantle his opposition and humanitarian work through UNPACU.
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