Cuban dissident released but could still face life in prison

After 27 days in detainment, the national head of the Patriotic Union of Cuba, Jose Daniel Ferrer, could face life imprisonment if he does not obey the Communist government's order that he suspend dissident activities.

Speaking to foreign reporters, Ferrer said he was released from prison and allowed to go home to await trial. The Castro government has accused him of “instigating, organizing and financing actions that they consider to be crimes against public order,” he added. 

“If I suspend the activities of the group, they will call off the trial. Otherwise, they will accelerate the process and take me to prison,” Ferrer said.

“My response is that Jose Daniel Ferrer will continue fighting as he has up to now and with the same methods and with those we believe are valid for achieving freedom in Cuba, respect for human rights and the establishing of a true constitutional state,” he said.

Ferrer’s brother, Luis Enrique Ferrer Garcia, warned that he could be “taken a prison again at any moment for supposed crimes against public order.”

“According to threats from the state police, he would have to spend the rest of his days in prison,” he said.

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