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Political Prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea Briefly Allowed to Say Goodbye to Deceased Mother Under Heavy Surveillance

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 by Emma Garcia

In a somber and tightly controlled event, Cuban political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez was momentarily released from incarceration on Monday at 5:00 a.m. to bid farewell to his deceased mother, Zoila Chávez, in the town of Encrucijada, Villa Clara province. The brief visit, under heavy surveillance, lasted less than an hour, according to independent journalist Camila Acosta, who reported the incident on Facebook.

"His jailers kept their promise: he would only see her after she was gone," wrote Acosta, condemning what she described as an act of extreme cruelty towards a mother who only wished to see her son before passing away. Zoila's health had rapidly declined in recent days, leading to her death on Sunday, without the chance to reunite with her son in life.

Barrenechea was brought to the wake but was not allowed contact with the media or the opportunity for a private and dignified farewell, emphasized the journalist. After the fleeting moment, he was returned to his cell, where, as Acosta noted, "he must now be contemplating his mother, knowing he will never embrace her again."

"That is the harshest punishment his captors could inflict. They have left the man shattered," Acosta commented, expressing deep sorrow for a story that has resonated powerfully within Cuban civil society. The plight of José Gabriel Barrenechea has sparked significant concern both inside and outside of Cuba.

For instance, Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugás, known for his advocacy for human rights in Cuba, expressed outrage following Zoila's death, criticizing the regime for denying her the chance to see her son alive one last time. Barrenechea, an intellectual and independent journalist, was arrested in July 2021 following the 11J protests and was convicted on charges of contempt and disobedience.

Numerous Cuban exile organizations and international bodies have demanded his immediate release in recent days, especially in the wake of the family tragedy that culminated in Zoila's death. The refusal of the regime to allow him a visit before her passing and the stringent prison protocol applied have ignited a wave of indignation among activists and social media users, viewing these actions as a typical display of harshness towards political prisoners on the island.

In April, several human rights organizations highlighted the plight of Zoila Chávez, emphasizing the emotional toll of the forced separation on both her and her son. Despite appeals for Barrenechea to see her in life, Cuban authorities did not relent.

Impact of Political Imprisonment in Cuba

What led to José Gabriel Barrenechea's arrest?

José Gabriel Barrenechea was arrested in July 2021 in connection with the 11J protests and was charged with contempt and disobedience.

Why has the case of Barrenechea drawn international attention?

The case has drawn international attention due to the harsh treatment he has received and the Cuban regime's refusal to allow him to see his mother before her death, highlighting the oppressive nature of political imprisonment in Cuba.

How have human rights organizations responded to Barrenechea's situation?

Human rights organizations have condemned the Cuban government's actions, demanding Barrenechea's immediate release and highlighting the emotional impact of the forced separation from his mother.

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