Recent reports alleging that Cuban government officials beat incarcerated Cuban political activist José Daniel Ferrer could result in expanded sanctions for Cuba.
Cuban authorities allegedly brutally beat Ferrer after he began a hunger strike in protest of the government’sundemocratic practices.
As reported by The Floridian’s Adrian Morgade, Ferrer’s sister, Ana Belkis Ferrer Garcia, released a statement claiming that Cuban officials mobilized thugs to abuse Ferrer physically.
Garcia explained Ferrer was beaten during his hunger strike in protest of “his arbitrary imprisonment, the abuses, the hunger, the rotten food, and the contaminated water that is making so many prisoners ill.”
Lawmakers have denounced Ferrer’s ill-treatment and demanded the US and its allies hold the Cuban government accountable.
“Enough with the lukewarm responses,” said Representative Maria Elvira-Salazar (R-FL), “it’s time for the world to raise its voice, condemn these thugs, and apply maximum pressure.”
The State Department Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs similarly encouraged other countries to impose consequences on Cuba for mistreating Ferrer,
The Bureau described the act as demonstrating “the regime's periodic schemes to get credit for releasing prisoners are in complete bad faith” and called “for countries to join the U.S. in imposing consequences.”
The US’s calls for global cooperation in opposing Cuba’s regime could undermine Cuba’s efforts to broaden international trade ties to eschew the US’s trade embargo.
For example, ongoing trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) could be jeopardized and result in sanctions if the EU heeds the US’s advice.
American lawmakers, such as Representative Salazar, have demanded that the EU cease trade negotiations with Cuba and instead levy sanctions.
“To the EU: The fall of the Cuban regime is inevitable. When that day comes, how will history remember you—on the side of freedom, or with the oppressors?” asked Salazar.
“Now is the time to choose.”
