CUBA wrote an open letter to the European Parliament ahead of today’s debate and resolution on counter-revolutionary activist Jose Daniel Ferrer, warning that claims he is a political prisoner are US propaganda.

Newly elected MEP for the Czech Republic Dita Charanzova called for the debate and a vote on the situation of Mr Ferrer and human rights in Cuba more generally.

But the Caribbean island’s ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union (EU) Norma Goicochea unmasked the reality of the Washington-led campaign to destabilise Cuba, which it has subjected to a punitive 60-year economic blockade.

She accused the US of using Mr Ferrer by presenting him as a political prisoner and a supposed case of human rights violations in Cuba.

But the Cuban official insisted there were no arbitrary detentions and that suspects are treated the same in accordance with the country’s legal system and in line with international law.

Ms Goicochea explained that Mr Ferrer had been arrested on October 1 after a complaint filed by Sergio Garcia. 

He alleged that he was kidnapped and severely beaten by Mr Ferrer and three accomplices, leaving him requiring hospital treatment.

The opposition leader has previously been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of a Cuban government official and is accused by Havana of links to US intelligence services.

The ambassador explained: “Mr Ferrer is awaiting trial, in line with the Cuban legal system,” as she denounced the “clear meddling of the United States and its diplomatic mission, guiding, instigating and financing the violent and destabilising behaviour of Ferrer, whom they intend to create the image of a persecuted and mistreated opponent.”

Despite this the European Parliament adopted the resolution (382 votes in favour, 243 against and 42 abstentions) demanding the immediate release of Mr Ferrer and raised concerns over “the general human rights situation in the country.”