On Thursday, Cuban dissident and human rights activist Jose Daniel Ferrer informed Reuters that he had been released from prison and was back home, part of a broader plan negotiated with the Vatican to gradually release over 500 prisoners.
The Cuban government initiated the release of a small number of prisoners on Wednesday following discussions with the Catholic Church, prompting the Biden administration to address the situation in the crisis-stricken nation.
Notably, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of State criticized the decision to ease sanctions on Cuba in light of these recent developments.
Most, if not all, of the prisoners set free this week were detained in connection with extensive anti-government demonstrations that unfolded in July 2021, marking the largest protests since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution.
Cuba's handling of the protests drew condemnation from the U.S., Europe, and human rights organizations for being repressive and forceful.
Ferrer, the most prominent dissident and prisoner to be released to date, expressed his determination to keep advocating for Cuba's freedom, stating, "I am at home, in fair health, but with the courage to continue fighting for the freedom of Cuba."
Ferrer, the leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), which was once the country's largest opposition group, was detained in October 2019 on charges of kidnapping and assault. Although sentenced to four years in custody, he spent most of that time under house arrest.
Despite being labeled a U.S.-backed dissident by Cuba, Ferrer's supporters argue that the government fabricated these allegations to suppress his activism.
After his re-arrest on July 11, 2021, for participating in a protest in Santiago de Cuba, Ferrer, violating the terms of his house arrest, faced charges of public disorder and returned to prison.
Ferrer has a long history of anti-government activism, notably being among 75 dissidents detained in 2003 during the Black Spring crackdown. He was granted parole in 2011.
Cuba has stated its intention to continue releasing prisoners gradually in the days and weeks ahead.