Cuban dissident José Daniel Ferrer arrives in US exile

The outspoken critic of the Cuban government was released from jail after a request by the US.

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Shortly after landing in the United States, the pro-democracy activist called for the release of hundreds of political prisoners held in Cuba.

Earlier this month, the 55-year-old revealed that he had taken the "difficult decision" to go into exile after being told his wife could also be jailed and their son sent to an institution for juvenile offenders.

In a statement, the Cuban foreign ministry said Mr Ferrer and his family had left the country following "a formal request" from the US government and insisted that Mr Ferrer had given his "explicit acceptance".

As co-ordinator of the Patriotic Union of Cuba - an umbrella group of dissident organisations - Mr Ferrer has been one of the most outspoken critics of Cuba's Communist government, which bans political opposition.