José Daniel Ferrer, a leading voice in Cuba’s pro-democracy movement, has arrived in Miami, marking the beginning of his exile in the United States. His release from a Cuban prison comes after a challenging period, during which he revealed his decision to leave the country due to threats against his family.
Ferrer, who coordinated the Patriotic Union of Cuba, has been a consistent and vocal critic of the island nation’s one-party communist system. Like many dissidents, he has faced periods of imprisonment for his activism.
His departure follows a period of intense pressure, including reports that his wife could also face jail time and their son might be sent to a juvenile facility. The Cuban foreign ministry confirmed Ferrer and his family’s exit, stating it followed a request from the U.S. government and that Ferrer had given his explicit consent.
Previously released in January as part of a deal brokered by the Vatican, which coincided with the U.S. removing Cuba from its state sponsors of terrorism list, Ferrer was re-arrested just three months later. The government cited parole violations, stemming from his continued criticism of the regime.
Ferrer has spoken out about the harsh conditions and alleged mistreatment he faced in prison, describing the government’s actions as cruel and humiliating. Fellow activists have characterized his departure as a “forced exile.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Ferrer’s resilience and advocacy, emphasizing that his spirit was a threat to the Cuban regime, and reiterated calls for the release of hundreds of other political prisoners on the island.