The U.S. Embassy in Cuba expressed its sorrow over the passing of Zoila Esther Chávez, the mother of Cuban political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea, who died last Sunday without being able to say goodbye to her son.
“We are saddened by the passing of Zoila Esther Chávez,” wrote the diplomatic office on its official X account (formerly Twitter).
"Our Head of Mission, Mike Hammer, wanted to visit her when he was in the province last week, but unfortunately she was not in a condition to receive him," adds the statement.
The embassy extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, particularly to Barrenechea, who was unable to see his mother before her passing.
"We join all the family members who are calling for the release of all political prisoners," the message concludes.
Zoila Esther, 84 years old, was suffering from cancer and was in critical condition. Her case touched many in the Cuban civil society, especially after a video circulated in April in which she tearfully requested to see her son at least once before she passed away.
The independent writer and journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea was arrested in November 2024 after participating in protests related to the energy crisis affecting the country.
Since then, he has remained detained under conditions described as arbitrary by human rights organizations.
Various activists point out that the Cuban regime deliberately prevented Barrenechea from saying goodbye to his mother.
"Zoila has passed away without seeing her son. We have once again witnessed how cruel this regime can be," expressed the activist Yamilka Lafita, known on social media as Lara Crofs. The writer Yania Suárez also condemned the situation: "May the pain of this mother weigh on the conscience of the corrupt who oppress the people of Cuba."
In recent weeks, activists and family friends had raised concerns about Zoila's deteriorating health and called on the Cuban government for a humanitarian gesture that never came.
Frequently asked questions about the death of Zoila Esther Chávez and the situation of José Gabriel Barrenechea
Who was Zoila Esther Chávez?
Zoila Esther Chávez was the mother of Cuban political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea. She passed away at the age of 84 without being able to say goodbye to her son, who has been detained since November 2024 for participating in protests against the energy crisis in Cuba. Zoila suffered from cancer, and her situation has sparked anger and solidarity among many sectors of Cuban civil society.
Why is José Gabriel Barrenechea imprisoned?
José Gabriel Barrenechea was arrested in November 2024 after participating in protests related to the energy crisis in Cuba. He is accused of "public disorder," although his imprisonment has been denounced as arbitrary by various human rights organizations. His detention affects not only him but also his family, especially his mother, who relied on him for her care.
How did the United States Embassy in Cuba react to the death of Zoila Esther Chávez?
The United States Embassy in Cuba expressed its sorrow over the passing of Zoila Esther Chávez. In a statement on its official X account, they lamented that the Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer, was unable to visit her before her death. Additionally, the embassy joined the call for the release of all political prisoners in Cuba, showing its support for the cause of Barrenechea and his family.
What does the international community denounce regarding the case of José Gabriel Barrenechea?
The international community, including human rights organizations, condemns the imprisonment of José Gabriel Barrenechea as arbitrary and illegal. It is noted that his detention exceeds the legal timeframe for preventive imprisonment and that his right to due process has not been respected. Furthermore, the Cuban regime's refusal to allow Barrenechea to say goodbye to his mother before her death is deemed an act of extreme cruelty.
What was the reaction of Cuban civil society to the death of Zoila Esther Chávez?
The Cuban civil society reacted with outrage to the death of Zoila Esther Chávez. Activists and organizations have condemned the cruelty of the Cuban regime for preventing her from saying goodbye to her son. Zoila's situation has been used to highlight the systematic repression and institutionalized dehumanization by the Cuban government towards those who oppose its policies.
Filed under:
