Ferrer, the leader of the dissident organization Patriotic Union of Cuba, had previously been in prison because of his political opposition to the communist government.

Cuban dissident and human rights activist Jose Daniel Ferrer told Reuters on Thursday he had been released from jail and was at home, part of a broader plan negotiated with the Vatican to gradually free upwards of 500 prisoners.

Cuban authorities freed opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer, among other prisoners, as part of a deal with outgoing US President Biden. Many of those released were political prisoners.

To the extent that the dictatorship must be condemned…we must look for mechanisms that can help alleviate hunger.”

Cuba has freed 127 prisoners including opposition leader Jose Daniel Ferrer after departing US President Joe Biden agreed to remove the country from Washington’s list of terrorism sponsors