URGENT ACTION

political activist released without charge

Political activist José Daniel Ferrer García was released without charge in the early afternoon of 1 August following an arrest by police aimed at preventing his freedom of movement.

José Daniel Ferrer García was arrested by police officers late on the evening of 30 July; he was transferred to the provincial headquarters of the Department of State Security, known as “Pedernales”, located in the city of Holguín in the province of Holguín. He was held in a cell there until his release. His repeated questions as to why he was being detained were met with replies of “we are following orders”. José Daniel Ferrer García told Amnesty International that he believes he was arrested to stop him travelling to the capital, Havana where he had planned to hold meetings with other government critics who are peacefully seeking greater respect for civil and political rights in Cuba.

José Daniel Ferrer García had been travelling by car en route to the Havana when he was stopped by police and arrested. He was accompanied by three members of his organization, the Patriotic Union of Cuba (Unión Patriótica de Cuba, UNPACU), who were all immediately returned to their homes in the province of Santiago de Cuba.

Amnesty International will be monitoring his situation closely, and will take further action as appropriate.

Many thanks to all who sent appeals. No further action is requested at this time from the UA network.

This is the first update of UA 229/12. Further information: www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR25/019/2012/en

Name: José Daniel Ferrer García

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Gender m/f: m

Further information on UA: 229/12 Index: AMR 25/20/2012 Issue Date: 1 August 2012�