Several organizations from Cuban civil society demanded the immediate release of political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea and raised concerns about the serious health situation of his mother, Zoila Esther Chávez, 84 years old, who has been in a critical state of neglect since her son's arrest.
Barrenechea, an independent writer and journalist, was arrested in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest amidst the energy crisis occurring in Cuba, as noted by Cubalex on X.
His imprisonment, deemed arbitrary by human rights organizations, has left his mother without proper care, as she suffers from cancer and requires constant attention.
A few days ago, Zoila, very sick and alone, sent a heartbreaking message for the release of her son. “Sometimes I feel bad, I close the door because I am afraid, I lie down and pray to God and the Virgin to help me and let me see the dawn, because all I want is, before I die, even if it's just for a month, to be with my son; what I long for the most is to see him walk through that door,” the woman confessed through tears.
In a joint statement, organizations such as Cuido60-Observatorio de Envejecimiento, Cuidados y Derechos, Food Monitor Program, the aforementioned Cubalex, Ciudadanía y Libertad, Fundación 4Métrica, Justicia 11J, the Centro de Documentación de Prisiones Cubanas, Civil Rights Defenders, and the Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos expressed their deep concern for the vulnerability of Zoila Esther Chávez.
"In light of this evidence, we urge the Cuban authorities to act in accordance with humanitarian principles and the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of Human Rights of Older Persons, which guarantees the right to receive adequate care," the statement notes.
The detention of José Gabriel Barrenechea not only constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights, but has also worsened the situation for his mother, exposing her to a risk that could cost her life, the signatories warn.
The organizations also reiterated their demand for the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Cuba, noting that many of them are responsible for vulnerable family members, young children, or elderly parents.
"Join the demand for the immediate release of José Gabriel and all individuals imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba," the organizations stated in the call.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of José Gabriel Barrenechea and repression in Cuba
Who is José Gabriel Barrenechea and why is he imprisoned?
José Gabriel Barrenechea is a Cuban independent writer and journalist who was arrested in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest in the context of the energy crisis in Cuba. His imprisonment has been deemed arbitrary by human rights advocacy organizations, and it falls within the repression of the Cuban regime against those who peacefully express dissent.
What is the situation of José Gabriel Barrenechea's mother?
Zoila Esther Chávez, mother of José Gabriel Barrenechea, is facing serious health issues. She is 84 years old, suffers from cancer, and is in a critical state of neglect since the arrest of her son, who was her only caregiver. Zoila's situation has raised concerns due to her vulnerability and the lack of proper care.
What have human rights organizations requested regarding José Gabriel Barrenechea?
Human rights organizations have demanded the immediate release of José Gabriel Barrenechea and adequate protection for his mother, Zoila Esther Chávez. They have also called on the Cuban authorities to act in accordance with humanitarian principles and to ensure the right to dignified care for elderly individuals.
What impact does the detention of political prisoners have on their families in Cuba?
The arrest of political prisoners in Cuba has a devastating impact on their families. Many of them are the sole caregivers for vulnerable relatives, such as young children or elderly parents. The imprisonment of these prisoners not only constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights but also exacerbates the situation of their loved ones, exposing them to significant risks.
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