Dr. Darsi Ferrer, in a phone interview [in Spanish] with Miami-based journalist Nelson Rubio after his trial stated that the hearing “was exactly what I expected, a big circus in which ended all this theater initiated eleven months ago.”

To the opposition activist “it was clear that it was not for common crimes that they wanted to [send me to prison] but simply as a punishment for my political ideals, for having a different political opinion from that which the government forces [on the Cuban people].”

He remarked that the trial was nothing more than “a farce”, and pointed out the injustice of which he has been a victim since the beginning: “I do not accept any sentence from this tribunal because I have not committed any common crime, and I would not agree with any kind of sentence in light of this farce orchestrated by Security of State.”

Several opposition activists and foreign diplomats stood in front of the building where the trial was held [as a show of support]. “It was incredibly emotional”—said Ferrer—“I am not ashamed to confess that when I heard the shouts of ‘Liberty!’ I was in the holding cell, waiting to be taken to trial, and tears came to my eyes for the solidarity and fraternity of my brothers in the struggle.”

For the opposition activist it was “something indescribable, they were very courageous, despite that there were many policemen to instill fear. It happened for a long time, and it could be heard many blocks around. They did it valiantly and openly.” “The opposition has shown is valor, despite the difficult circumstances in which it works.”

Ferrer lauded “the support of Cubans [outside of Cuba]” that “is always a breath of fresh air that gives us strength, another reason to continue our fight and not feel alone while struggling with the calamities one faces imprisoned in inhumane conditions.”

He described the conditions to which he was subjected in jail: “Food is terrible, basically inedible and does not meet basic nutritional requirements. I [have been suffering] eleven months of psychological trauma because of the constant mistreatment, [and for being] in a situation unfavorable to [normal] mental health. I conducted three hunger strikes that have caused me anemia.”

Ferrer dismissed all those things as inconsequential, without much significance because it is harder for him to be outside knowing that he has left “many brothers in jail, under the boot of the military and behind bars, [and] that it is more painful than any illness anyone can [suffer] in prison.”

Regarding the dialog between the Catholic Church and the regime, Ferrer said not to have much information due to the lack of access to it in jail. However, he knew of the role of “mediator” that the Church has assumed in the past few weeks “in light of the grave and dramatic situation of the regime, with its long fifty years of abuses, injustices and disaster as a system.”

He remarked that he was “no one to question the position of the Church” and that he “would like to believe the releases are due to its intervention, but I do not have the certainty that things are happening for said efforts.”

“The Cuban people need Solutions for its dramatic situation, and may all be welcome, coming from anywhere they may come.” The most important thing, is that “the rights of Cubans are respected and that there are reforms to alleviate the economic situation.” He also asked for a change in the penal system, to which end he “would invite the Church to negotiate so it is allowed to visit the country’s prisons —overcrowded, where a cruel and inhumane treatment is exerted—and they can celebrate religious services.”

“Scarcity and the failure of the Castroite model is what are pushing the people to defend their rights more actively so that Solutions to our reality are found.” The releases “are due to the International pressure, the courage of the opposition, the unavoidable necessities of the Cuban people who have no chance of a dignified life, and all this failure [that is] unsustainable.” The doctor believes that any reaction from the government happens because of “the pressure of an increasingly cornered people, and the courage of the opposition to achieve freedom for our country.”