On the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba

B100044/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the case of José Daniel Ferrer García in Cuba

(2024/2805(RSP))

The European Parliament,

− having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure

A. whereas in July 2021, José Daniel Ferrer was detained; whereas in August 2021, a court ruled that he would serve more than four years in prison in connection with a 2020 conviction that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has deemed arbitrary;

B. whereas since 14 August 2021, José Daniel Ferrer has been held in solitary confinement, isolated from other prisoners, without access to medical treatment, in inadequate health and food conditions; whereas, since April 2024, none of the family members of José Daniel Ferrer have been able to speak to or see him, which raises concerns about his life and his physical integrity;

C. whereas the human rights situation is alarming in Cuba, particularly for dissidents, who are subjected to worrying levels of surveillance and arbitrary detention, and the denial of penitentiary benefits for exemplary purposes;

D. whereas the EU and Cuba started a new era of relations in December 2016 with the signature of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA);

E. whereas on 2 November 2023, a total of 187 countries supported a United Nations General Assembly Resolution to demand the end of the US economic blockade on Cuba;

1. Condemns the systematic human rights violations and repression against protesters, political dissidents, human rights defenders, activists and journalists;

2. Urges the Cuban authorities to cease the unlawful use of force and arbitrary detentions of protesters, and immediately and unconditionally release all those detained solely for the exercise of their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including José Daniel Ferrer; calls on the Cuban authorities to immediately verify his health status, authorise visits by his family members, and allow him to communicate freely with the outside world;

3. Calls on the Cuban authorities to listen to the voices of its citizens and to engage in an inclusive national dialogue towards a process of modernization and democratization of the country;

4. Regrets the dire human rights situation despite the entry into force of the PDCA; stresses the obligation for all parties to fulfil the PDCA including by upholding their commitment to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms; calls on the EU to continue to cooperate in strengthening democracy and to persist in its critical engagement approach towards Cuba to uphold this commitment;

5. Recalls its strong support for all human rights defenders in Cuba; calls on the EU delegation and Member States’ representations in the country to continue their support for civil society in their engagement with Cuban authorities;

6. Calls for the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States of America;

7. Supports the constructive engagement of the HR/VP and of the EEAS to keep the channels of dialogue open and to engage on a positive approach towards the country’s challenges;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Cuban authorities, the Council, the Commission, and the HR/VP.