Havana, Cuba Freezes Out Again as Biden Officials Fail to Win Release of Prisoner
Cuban officials on Thursday unexpectedly released a prominent opposition activist, Jose Daniel Ferrer, leader of one of the largest banned anti-government groups in Cuba, two days after a flurry of diplomatic activity between the communist-run island and the United States in the waning days of the Biden administration. For over three years, US officials had sought Ferrer’s release, particularly following his conviction in 2021 for participating in the island’s most widespread protests since the 1959 revolution.
In a surprise turn of events, State Department officials announced the removal of Cuba from a US list of countries that support terrorism and the agreement by Cuban officials to free Cubans jailed for anti-government activity, among other crimes. Cuban authorities promised to gradually release 553 prisoners, citing a need to demonstrate “good social behavior,” but warned against interpreting this move as an amnesty.
Ferrer, who in a telephone interview with Radio Martí called upon Cubans not to be afraid to fight for a free and just Cuba, has been released, but may face restrictions following his release, including being required to complete any remaining sentence or adhere to rules governing his movement. The activist has been held in prison since his conviction following the 2021 protests that led to more than a thousand Cubans convicted in mass trials for rising up against the government.
The news marks a dramatic change in diplomatic fortunes for the Biden administration, which had failed to influence Cuban authorities despite high-level efforts and the visit by Vatican representatives. The removal of Cuba from the list of terrorist-supporting nations, coupled with the release of Ferrer and other prisoners, may be perceived as a thaw in relations with the island.
However, these gains may prove short-lived under the incoming Trump administration, where officials have reiterated their hardline stance on the island. Following the removal of Cuba from the terrorism list and the lifting of other sanctions, Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s pick for Secretary of State and a long-standing critic of Cuban government, characterized the move as “a great mistake” that could undermine any attempts to encourage reforms.
Advocates suggest that ramping up pressure on Cuba through additional sanctions may do little to incentivize political reform, citing past efforts that failed to yield substantive results. According to Peter Kornbluh, co-author of “Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana,” Biden’s successes were achieved through diplomacy and dialogue, whereas Rubio and Trump advocate for coercion as a means to achieve their ends.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla has spoken out against what he perceives as the selective nature of Washington’s actions on Cuba, asserting that the Biden administration’s departure will be perceived as a reflection of the international community’s continued reluctance to back US sanctions policy.