Zoila Esther Chávez, the mother of political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea, passed away on Sunday, unable to say her final goodbye to her son, as activists reported on social media. At 84, Chávez had lost her ability to speak and was breathing faintly before her body gave out.
Activists such as Yania Suárez and journalist José Raúl Gallego took to social media to announce the heart-wrenching news, condemning the regime for preventing Barrenechea from seeing his mother one last time. "Her son wasn't allowed to see her. The pain of this mother falls upon the conscience of the corrupt who oppress the Cuban people," lamented Suárez.
Yamilka Lafita, an activist known on social media as Lara Crofs, highlighted the regime's cruelty, stating, "Zoila passed without seeing her son. Once again, we witness just how cruel this regime can be. There is no forgiveness, nor forgetfulness. Rest in peace, Zoila, may the earth be light upon you."
Poet and family friend Otilio Carvajal had previously reported on her critical condition. Barrenechea, a writer and independent journalist, was arrested in November 2024 for exercising his right to protest amidst Cuba's ongoing energy crisis.
Human rights organizations have labeled his imprisonment as arbitrary, noting that it left his ailing mother, who suffered from cancer and needed constant care, without the necessary support.
The Plea of a Desperate Mother
In mid-April, Zoila, gravely ill and alone, sent a poignant plea for her son's release. "Sometimes I feel so bad, I close the door because I'm scared, I lie down and pray to God and the Virgin to help me and let me see the morning, because all I want is to spend even just one month with my son before I die; my greatest wish is to see him walk through that door," she confessed tearfully.
Cuban civil society organizations demanded the immediate release of José Gabriel Barrenechea and the safeguarding of his mother, but their calls went unanswered by the regime.
Impact of José Gabriel Barrenechea's Imprisonment
Why was José Gabriel Barrenechea arrested?
José Gabriel Barrenechea was arrested in November 2024 for participating in protests against Cuba's energy crisis, exercising his right to peaceful demonstration.
How did Zoila Esther Chávez's health decline?
Zoila Esther Chávez suffered from cancer and required constant medical attention. Her health deteriorated significantly without her son's support, leading to her passing.
What actions did activists take regarding Barrenechea's case?
Activists, including Yania Suárez and Yamilka Lafita, condemned the regime's actions on social media and demanded Barrenechea's release and his mother's protection, but their appeals were ignored.