The head of mission of the Washington Embassy in Havana, Mike Hammer, made another visit to Santiago de Cuba as part of his ongoing efforts to support civil society and demand the release of political prisoners on the island.
During his visit, Hammer tried to meet again with the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer, but he is currently incarcerated following a new arrest that has been deemed "unjust" by the United States.
In Ferrer's absence, the diplomat met with his wife, Dr. Nelva Ortega, whom he described as a “strong woman dedicated to her community.”
Through the official account of the embassy on the social network X (formerly Twitter), it reiterated the call for the release of Ferrer and other political prisoners such as Félix Navarro, under the hashtag #Todos.
“José Daniel must be released, just like all the other political prisoners,” stated the diplomatic mission.
The visit is part of a more active agenda by the U.S. diplomat, who has intensified his meetings with opposition members, families of political prisoners, and members of the Cuban community since his arrival in Havana in November 2024.
During a previous visit, Hammer had met directly with Ferrer after his release, at which time he also heard testimonies from evangelical pastor Lorenzo Rosales about his time in prison for political reasons.
On this new occasion, the diplomat also engaged in a discussion with Estrella Gell, the mother of the young political prisoner Iam Gámez Gell, who is currently under house arrest.
José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), is one of the most recognized opponents in the country. According to his statements, the testimonies shared with Hammer aim to shed light on "the terrible conditions" faced by political prisoners in Cuban prisons.
"We appreciate the solidarity of the U.S. Government, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and his interest in political prisoners," affirmed Ferrer.
With over 35 years of experience in the foreign service, Mike Hammer took up his position as Chief of Mission in Havana in November 2024, succeeding Benjamin G. Ziff. Prior to his arrival in Cuba, Hammer played a key role as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.
During his diplomatic career, he has served as ambassador to Chile and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in addition to holding high-level positions in the State Department and the National Security Council.
With roots in Latin America —where he lived in countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil— Hammer is fluent in Spanish, as well as French and Icelandic, and is recognized for his deep knowledge of the region.
Since his arrival in Cuba, the diplomat has held meetings with prominent figures of the opposition, such as the intellectual Alina Bárbara López Hernández, and activists Berta Soler and Martha Beatriz Roque.
The regime in Havana has accused him of acting like an activist who incites subversion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Detention of José Daniel Ferrer and the Situation of Political Prisoners in Cuba
Why is José Daniel Ferrer detained?
José Daniel Ferrer is detained for his political activities as the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) and his opposition to the Cuban regime. The Cuban government accuses him of contempt and other charges that international organizations deem arbitrary. His detention is seen as a political punishment in a context of increasing repression.
What has Mike Hammer, head of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, done to support José Daniel Ferrer?
Mike Hammer has visited Santiago de Cuba in an attempt to meet with Ferrer and has held meetings with his family. Additionally, he has intensified his efforts to raise awareness of Ferrer's situation and that of other political prisoners, reiterating the call for their release and denouncing the repression of the Cuban regime.
What has been the response of the United States government to the situation of political prisoners in Cuba?
The United States government has maintained a critical stance towards the Cuban regime, demanding the release of all political prisoners. The U.S. Embassy in Cuba, led by Mike Hammer, has intensified its support for dissent and condemned arbitrary detentions, in line with the "Why Prisoners?" campaign from the State Department.
What measures has the international community taken in support of José Daniel Ferrer?
International organizations and human rights advocates have raised their voices to call for greater pressure on the Cuban regime. These efforts aim to ensure the safety and physical integrity of Ferrer and the immediate release of all political prisoners on the island. The international community has condemned the inhumane conditions of imprisonment and the torture that Ferrer has endured.
Filed under:
