Cuba: Statement by the Spokesperson on the case of José Daniel Ferrer

Mr José Daniel Ferrer, leader of the Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU) was arrested on 1 October 2019 in Santiago de Cuba and held in solitary confinement ever since.

On 26 February, he was put on trial on assault charges. However, information available on his case suggests that Mr Ferrer is on trial for the peaceful expression of his views. Furthermore, his constitutional rights to due process have been disregarded in the run-up to the trial. Mr Ferrer’s right to a fair trial must be strictly respected during the proceedings.

The Delegation of European Union in Cuba has requested access to his trial, a request which to date has not been granted. We will monitor this trial closely.

We expect Cuba to review, as a matter of urgency, all cases of incarceration related to the exercise of fundamental rights, and to release all those concerned, in line with Cuba’s international commitments.