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The health of Zoila Esther Chávez, the mother of political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea, worsened this Friday.
The 84-year-old woman lost her speech and is exhibiting shallow breathing, reported the poet and family friend Otilio Carvajal on Facebook.
"My dear Zoila no longer speaks, her breathing is faint, she is about to pass away at any moment. I had the privilege of embracing her not long ago; of kissing her eyes moistened by tears," said the literary critic.
Carvajal expressed empathy for Barrenechea's situation, stating, "When my mother fell ill with cancer, I didn't think twice; I left everything behind to see my mother one last time."
Severely ill, Zoila Esther Chávez, 84 years old, is facing a critical state of vulnerability since her son's arrest.
Barrenechea, an independent writer and journalist, was arrested in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest in the context of the energy crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
His imprisonment, deemed arbitrary by human rights organizations, has left his mother without proper care, as she suffers from cancer and requires constant attention.
In mid-April, 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’m 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, to spend at least one month 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 Center for Documentation of Cuban Prisons, Civil Rights Defenders, and the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights have expressed their deep concern about the vulnerability of the elderly.
Frequently Asked Questions about the situation of José Gabriel Barrenechea and his mother
Why was José Gabriel Barrenechea arrested?
José Gabriel Barrenechea, independent writer and journalist, was arrested in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest in the context of the energy crisis currently affecting Cuba. His imprisonment has been deemed arbitrary by human rights advocacy organizations.
What is the health situation of José Gabriel Barrenechea's mother?
Zoila Esther Chávez, mother of José Gabriel Barrenechea, is in critical health condition due to her cancer illness. Since her son’s detention, she has been alone and without the necessary care, which has worsened her condition. Human rights organizations have expressed their concern for her vulnerability.
What actions have human rights organizations taken in response to this situation?
Several Cuban civil society organizations have demanded the immediate release of José Gabriel Barrenechea and the protection of his mother. They have issued joint statements and called on the Cuban authorities to act in accordance with humanitarian principles and ensure adequate care for Zoila Esther Chávez.
What impact does the imprisonment of José Gabriel Barrenechea have on his mother?
The imprisonment of José Gabriel Barrenechea has left his mother in a state of unprotection and without the appropriate care, which has worsened her health condition. She depended on him for her daily care, and his absence has intensified her vulnerability amidst her illness.
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