US Senator Rick Scott spoke with the Cuban opposition José Daniel Ferrer hours after being released from prisonafter three and a half years in prison in Santiago de Cuba.
Scott, senator for the State of Florida, said that it was an honor for him to speak on the phone with Ferrer and hear first-hand his account of what the regime did to him.
“I am very proud of their resistance,” he expressed on his X account.
The member of the Republican Party celebrated that the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) is well and is now back with his family.
“José Daniel MUST remain free and safe. I will continue fighting until all political prisoners are released,” he stressed.
Rick Scott has been one of the American politicians most concerned about Ferrer’s situation during his stay in prison, after being arrested on July 11, 2021, when he tried to join the mass protests in Santiago de Cuba.
In March of last year, He demanded proof of the life of the renowned activist from the regimeconcerned for his safety amid rumors of his possible assassination in Cuba, and in the midst of massive protests in the country.
In July 2022, one year after his imprisonment, Scott He described Joe Biden’s attitude towards the situation of the political prisoner as shameful and accused him of ignoring his suffering.
The senator urged the president to demand an urgent humanitarian medical visit for Ferrer, who was detained in isolation and subjected to physical and psychological torture by the regime.
“I will not let him continue to ignore the suffering of José Daniel and the Cuban people. José Daniel’s family reports that his health is rapidly deteriorating and that Castro/Díaz-Canel’s thugs subject him to horrible and frequent torture. Despite everything That is why his conscience and courage have not been broken. His response has not faltered, and he continues to proclaim: DOWN WITH THE DICTATORSHIP, DOWN WITH DÍAZ-CANEL, DOWN WITH THE CASTRO,” he commented. republican politician.
Frequently asked questions about José Daniel Ferrer and the situation of political prisoners in Cuba
Why was José Daniel Ferrer imprisoned?
José Daniel Ferrer was imprisoned on July 12, 2021after trying to join the anti-government protests of 11J in Cuba. His arrest was part of a response by the Cuban regime to these massive demonstrations demanding the end of the dictatorship and better living conditions. Furthermore, Ferrer has been a staunch opponent of the communist regime, which has led him to face multiple imprisonments and reprisals.
What have been the conditions of José Daniel Ferrer in prison?
During his imprisonment, José Daniel Ferrer has faced inhumane conditions and torture. He has been subjected to beatings, prolonged isolation and restrictions on contact with his family. Ferrer has denounced physical and psychological tortureand has suffered health problems due to terrible prison conditions. These abuses have been denounced by his family and international human rights organizations.
How has the international community reacted to Ferrer’s situation?
The situation of José Daniel Ferrer has generated widespread international condemnation. Politicians, human rights organizations and foreign governments have demanded his release and denounced human rights violations in Cuba. The US government and political figures such as Rick Scott have been especially vocal in his defense, urging the Cuban regime to release Ferrer and other political prisoners.
What measures has Senator Rick Scott taken regarding Ferrer?
Senator Rick Scott has been an active defender of José Daniel Ferrer, expressing concern about his situation and fighting for his release. Scott has harshly criticized the Cuban regime and has urged the United States government to take stronger steps to demand the release of Ferrer and other political prisoners. He has used his social media platform to keep attention on the Ferrer case and the repression in Cuba.
