Julio Ferrer Tamayo, a lawyer for Cubalex, has a significant history of clashes with the Cuban judicial system, due to his collaboration with organizations that promote the independent practice of law and legal advice outside of state control.
In October 2019, Ferrer Tamayo was notified of a travel ban just as he was attempting to board a flight at José Martí International Airport in Havana. In response to this violation of his rights, he initiated a series of legal actions against state authorities to defend his fundamental freedoms.
Faced with immigration regulations that restricted her freedom to leave the country, she exhausted all available administrative avenues. In January 2020, she filed a lawsuit with the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Foreigners, part of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), requesting a ruling from the authorities on the reasons for the immigration regulations and the legal basis for the measure.
However, faced with the lack of response from the authorities, in September 2022, she filed a new lawsuit with the Constitutional Appeals Chamber of the Havana Provincial Court, requesting the restoration of her right to freely leave the country. The lawsuit sought not only the revocation of the travel restriction imposed by the Directorate of Identification, Immigration and Foreigners of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), but also compensation from the State for the material damages caused.
However, the Court deemed the claim inadmissible, justifying its decision by citing the lack of specific legal provisions supporting the constitutional rights invoked. The Court rejected it, the lawyer explained, despite its foundation in constitutional rights principles. They argued that the issue raised did not fall under constitutional jurisdiction, but rather within the administrative sphere, which would be the appropriate channel for such a claim.
Despite repeatedly facing refusal from the judicial power in Cuba, Julio Ferrer Tamayo has continued to exercise his right to litigate against the authorities, fighting for the restoration of legality and respect for fundamental rights.
A year later, on September 22, 2023, the lawyer was arbitrarily detained by the police in broad daylight. The reason behind the arrest was a new lawsuit, this time against the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP), in which he requested the drafting of a bill that would allow the organization of demonstrations and meetings for legitimate and peaceful purposes. He also demanded that the State guarantee the necessary conditions for the full exercise of this constitutional right.
During the interrogation, State Security agents urged the lawyer to focus on personal matters and cease his legal actions against the authorities. He explained that such actions were deeply rooted in personal motivations, arguing that, as a citizen, he had the right to initiate any legal proceedings for the benefit of the Cuban people.
Finally, in August 2023, after an intense legal battle that lasted for more than three years, the authorities lifted the restriction that prohibited him from leaving the country.