Cuba: Historic adversary José Daniel Ferrer and another dissident detained
Latest Run-In with the Regime for Historically Notorious Cuban Dissidents
On April 29, 2025, two influential Cuban dissidents, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, found themselves right back behind bars. The Cuban Supreme Court axed the conditional release measurements granted to them back in January, sending shockwaves among the opposition parties and the international community.
These two infamous figures, Ferrer, aged 54, and Navarro, 72, were once part of a larger peace agreement negotiated with the Vatican that resulted in the release of 553 Cuban prisoners. The agreement, initiated when Cuba was removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism by Joe Biden, saw Ferrer and Navarro walk out of prison as well[2][3][4]. However, things took a turn as former President Donald Trump reinstated Cuba to that list.
The exact reasons behind the Cuban Supreme Court's decision to retract these dissidents' conditional releases differ between the two individuals. Ferrer, the founder of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unpacu), was released on January 16, 2025, in Santiago de Cuba. In a dramatic turn, Ferrer has been incarcerated again, this time for not attending two judicial summonings and flouting the law by declaring publicly that he would not comply with the court's order[4][5].
Navarro, who resides about 100 kilometers away from Havana, was accused of leaving his town of Perico without seeking prior permission from the judge overseeing his sentence, resulting in the revoking of his conditional release[5]. He was detained at 6:30 a.m. at his residence[5].
Ferrer and Navarro, who were initially apprehended during the "Black Spring" in 2003 - a period of immense repression against dissent[5] - have a history of standing up against the communist regime in Cuba. Since his release, Ferrer has actively critiqued the regime on social media and has initiated charitable activities, like running a soup kitchen for the needy, funded by Cubans abroad[4]. Notably, the authorities have consistently failed to appreciate Ferrer's efforts, as they believe his activism is highlighting the poverty of some residents.
The U.S. State Department has criticized the alleged "brutal treatment and unjust detention" of these "Cuban patriots". The diplomatic community is watching the Cuban government's actions closely, as the international community has expressed concern about the uptick in repression against opposition figures[6]. It remains to be seen how the world will react to the latest detainment of Ferrer and Navarro.
As the situation in the island nation remains tense, it seems the administration is maintaining its usual stance, denying the existence of political prisoners and accusing the dissidents of being mercenaries in the pay of the United States. Will the world witness another chapter in the ongoing saga between Cuba and the U.S.? Only time will tell.
Further Reading
- Cuba: Civil society continues to be paralyzed by repression (French News Organization)
- In Cuba, anger against the regime grows as the population tires of shortages (French News Organization)
- Cuba: NGOs fear a prisoner release stunt (French News Organization)
- In Cuba, the internet loosens the regime's grip (French News Organization)
[1] Source: José Daniel Ferrer[2] Source: Raul Castro and Pope Francis Announce Release of Cuban Prisoners (New York Times)[3] Source: Dissident José Daniel Ferrer Released from Cuban Prison Amid U.S.-Cuba Thaw (Voice of America)[4] Source: Two prominent Cuban dissidents arrested despite Vatican agreement (Al Jazeera)[5] Source: Two Prominent Dissidents Arrested Anew in Cuba After Vatican Deal (New York Times)[6] Source: U.S. State Department criticizes "brutal treatment" of Cuban dissidents (Reuters)
- Two renowned Cuban dissidents, José Daniel Ferrer and Félix Navarro, have been returned to prison following the Cuban Supreme Court's decision to rescind their conditional releases.
- The reason for the Cuban Supreme Court's action varies between the two individuals, with Jose Daniel Ferrer beingincarcerated again for not adhering to two court summons and flouting the law, while Félix Navarro was detained for leaving his town without obtaining prior permission.
- These dissidents, who were once released as part of a larger peace agreement facilitated by the Vatican, have a history of challenging the Cuban communist regime, with Ferrer actively critiquing the regime on social media and conducting charitable work.
- The U.S. State Department and the international community have voiced concern over the treatment and detainment of these Cuban patriots, with continued repression against opposition figures raising alarms.
