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.

Hundreds more Cuban dissidents are expected to be released in the coming days in a deal with President Biden, but even a top beneficiary is balking.

Cuban dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer told Reuters on Thursday he had been released from jail and was at home, part of a Cuban government plan negotiated with the Vatican to release upwards of 500 prisoners from the island`s prisons.