The prominent Cuban dissident, José Daniel Ferrer, has once again been summoned by judicial authorities in Santiago de Cuba. However, he has firmly refused to appear before the court, ready to face any consequences for his decision. In a video shared on his X account, Ferrer displayed the summons and elaborated on his stance: “I do not recognize the court simply because I have committed no crime. I am prepared for imprisonment again, as I never requested conditional release.”
The official document from the Municipal People's Court of Santiago de Cuba requires Ferrer to appear on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Department of Control, Attention, and Influence, located at Calle 4ta No. 405 % Calle 15 and Calle 17, Reparto Vista Alegre. The document warns that failing to appear could result in legal repercussions.
As the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), an opposition group advocating for democracy on the island, Ferrer was released from custody in January following an agreement brokered between Havana's regime and the United States, with mediation from the Vatican. On January 14, 2025, the Cuban government announced the gradual release of 553 prisoners serving sentences for various offenses.
Ferrer recounted how court officials visited him to demand his appearance before the judge of execution. He returned the summons unsigned, as he does not acknowledge the legitimacy of the proceedings against him: “I handed back the summons because accepting it requires acknowledgment, and I will not sign it. The document states that failing to appear means accepting whatever consequences they decide against me.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to human rights, the welfare of his people, and ending repression in Cuba: “My fight is for the human rights of my people, for the well-being of my nation, to aid those in dire circumstances, and to see a truly just Cuba, a Cuba for all and for the good of all, as dreamed by José Martí.”
His statements come after a police summons in January at his home in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba. Ferrer made it clear that he does not fear returning to prison if it means continuing to defend freedom in Cuba: “If this leads me back to prison, I will gladly return and remain there until tyranny falls and my people are free from hunger, misery, and all kinds of hardships.”
Having faced imprisonment multiple times, Ferrer concluded with a message of resilience: “I fear neither imprisonment nor inhumane treatment. The cruelty of tyrants does not daunt my heart.”
Hours after his initial statement, Ferrer posted on Facebook about the profound impact the summons has had on his family, especially his young son: “My son Daniel José, who is 5 years old, saw and heard about the summons for his father and is deeply affected.” Ferrer warned that if imprisoned again, his family would be subjected to another wave of harassment by the regime: “If I return to prison, my wife and son will once again face the most malicious harassment,” he cautioned.
In his post, Ferrer urged his wife to focus on their son's well-being and emotional health amid the uncertainty: “I asked my wife to concentrate on caring for our son and his emotional health. I do not want more extreme sacrifices from them. Mine is enough.”
Ultimately, he reiterated his resolve to fight for his country without fear of the consequences. “I willingly sacrifice for my homeland and my loved ones,” he declared.
Key Questions on José Daniel Ferrer's Situation
Why is José Daniel Ferrer refusing to appear in court?
José Daniel Ferrer refuses to appear in court because he does not recognize the legitimacy of the charges against him, asserting that he has committed no crime.
What are the potential consequences of Ferrer's refusal to appear?
If Ferrer fails to appear in court, he could face legal repercussions as stated in the summons from the Municipal People's Court of Santiago de Cuba.
How has Ferrer's family been affected by the situation?
Ferrer revealed that the summons has deeply affected his family, particularly his young son, who is distressed by the situation. The family may also face further harassment if Ferrer is imprisoned again.