Cuban human rights activist and founder of the civil rights movement Unión Patriótica de Cuba (UNPACU), José Daniel Ferrer, was arbitrarily arrested again on April 29, 2025. He was released from prison just three months ago after years of arbitrary detention. His wife, youngest son, and other activists were also arrested. Their whereabouts are currently unknown. The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

The arrests were made in connection with the humanitarian work of Ferrer and his organisation, UNPACU (Patriotic Union of Cuba), which provides food and medical supplies to more than a thousand people in need every day. The arrests represent another serious attack on the work of peaceful human rights activists in Cuba, according to the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR). ISHR also condemns the actions of the Cuban authorities. According to Ferrer García’s sister, the UNPACU headquarters in the Altamira district of Santiago de Cuba was “completely looted.”

Ferrer, 54, has been one of the most critical voices against the Cuban regime for two decades and has been arrested and convicted several times for his political activism. After his last release, he continued his humanitarian work and criticism of the regime, which brought him increasing repression from the Cuban authorities.

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) and the Spanish Human Rights Organisation Prisoners Defenders appeal to the European authorities, the European External Action Service, and the EU Commission to immediately condemn these arrests and demand the immediate release of all those detained.