On Monday, a coalition of Cuban civil society groups demanded the immediate release of political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea and sounded the alarm over the dire health situation of his 84-year-old mother, Zoila Esther Chávez. Since his arrest, she has been left in a precarious and unprotected state.
Barrenechea, an independent writer and journalist, was detained in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest amid Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, as highlighted by Cubalex on X. His imprisonment, deemed arbitrary by human rights organizations, has deprived his mother of the necessary care she needs due to her battle with cancer, which requires continuous attention.
Recently, a gravely ill and isolated Zoila sent a heart-wrenching plea for her son's release. "Sometimes I feel unwell, I lock the door because I'm scared, I lie down and pray to God and the Virgin to help me make it through the night. All I wish for is to spend even a month with my son before I die. What I long for most is to see him walk through that door," she tearfully shared.
Urgent Appeal from Civil Organizations
In a joint statement, organizations such as Cuido60-Observatorio de Envejecimiento, Cuidados y Derechos, Food Monitor Program, Cubalex, Ciudadanía y Libertad, Fundación 4Métrica, Justicia 11J, the Cuban Prison Documentation Center, Civil Rights Defenders, and the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of Zoila Esther Chávez.
"Given these circumstances, we urge Cuban authorities to act in accordance with humanitarian principles and the Inter-American Convention on Protecting the Human Rights of Older Persons, which ensures the right to receive adequate care," the statement declared.
The detention of José Gabriel Barrenechea not only violates his fundamental rights but also exacerbates his mother's situation, putting her life at risk, the signatories warned.
Broader Call for Human Rights Action in Cuba
The organizations reiterated their call for the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Cuba, noting that many detainees have vulnerable family members, including young children or elderly parents, who rely on them.
"Join the demand for the immediate release of José Gabriel and all individuals imprisoned for political reasons in Cuba," the organizations urged in their appeal.
FAQs on the Cuban Political Prisoner Crisis
Why was José Gabriel Barrenechea arrested?
José Gabriel Barrenechea was detained for participating in protests related to the energy crisis in Cuba, demonstrating his right to free expression.
What support does Zoila Esther Chávez need?
Zoila Esther Chávez, suffering from cancer, requires constant medical attention and support, which she currently lacks due to her son's imprisonment.
What are the organizations demanding?
The organizations demand the immediate release of José Gabriel Barrenechea and all political prisoners in Cuba, emphasizing the need for humanitarian action.