"Until there is democracy and respect for human rights in Cuba and all political prisoners are freed, the United States will continue to hold the regime accountable for its abuses," Pompeo wrote. "For the sake of the Cuban people and for the betterment of your nation, we urge you to free Jose Daniel Ferrer immediately and take the first step toward a better future for Cuba."

Ferrer, one of the most recognizable dissidents who has chosen to stay in Cuba rather than go into exile, was jailed in 2003 after leading calls for democratic political reforms. After being released in 2011 following pressure from the Roman Catholic Church, he formed the Patriotic Union of Cuba, an opposition group. Following his latest arrest, Cuba's official Granma newspaper called Ferrer "a paid agent of the United States," allegations dismissed by Washington.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2020