The trial against the independent writer and journalist is announced for this Wednesday in Santa Clara.
Miami, United States. – Pen International demanded this Tuesday The “immediate liberation” of the Cuban independent writer and journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea Chávez and expressed concern about the trial for “public disorders” scheduled for this Wednesday, in which he could face up to six years in prison.
The organization cited Ma Thida, president of the Committee of Writers imprisoned by Pen International, who described the case of Barrenechea as a demonstration of the “relentless effort” of the Cuban authorities for silencing the dissent.
“Cuban writers and artists continue to face a relentless persecution for their books, articles and protests. The systematic efforts of the government to silence them reveal the deep fear of freedom of expression that lies in the heart of repression in Cuba. The global community of Pen urges the immediate release of José Gabriel Barrenechea,” said Thida.
Barrenechea remains arrested since November 8, 2024, after participating in protests in the crossroads, Villa Clara. It was arrested for allegedly leading a demonstration and accused of “public disorders”, a position that entails a potential penalty of six years in jail. The trial against him will be held in Santa Clara.
Pen International denounced that the arrest of Barrenechea has been marked by serious human rights violations, with poor prison conditions and family isolation. His mother, elderly and sick of cancer, died last May 4 without having seen him. The journalist himself has denounced “serious irregularities” in his cause, including the lack of guarantees of due process.
Currently, the slope, in Santa Clara – “known for its overcrowding and bad conditions” – its health has deteriorated significantly. Shortly after the arrest he made a 10 -day hunger strike and suffers from “extreme malnutrition, stomach and skin infections, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression,” the entity explained.
Pen International framed the case in a pattern of sustained harassment against Barrenechea since 2019 for his critical journalistic work, which included prohibition of departure from the country, labor restrictions and censorship of his books in Cuba. In addition, it has been repeatedly summoned by the security of the State and suffered brief arrests to intimidate and silence his work, according to the pronouncement.
Before his arrest, Barrenechea collaborated with independent and academic media as 14ymedio, Diary of Cuba and Latin America 21and was co -editor of the magazine Plural Thought Notebooks.
The organization reiterated its demand for freedom: “Pen International requested the immediate liberation of Barrenechea.” He added that his imprisonment “is not an isolated case”, but part of “a consistent pattern of repression directed against writers, artists and journalists who dare to criticize the Cuban authorities.” Also recalled his report Cuba Methodelaborated together with Cubalex and Artists at Risk Connection, where he documes “harassment, censorship, imprisonment and forced exile” as mechanisms to silence dissident voices.
Finally, Pen International urged the Cuban government to “fulfill their international commitments on human rights and to guarantee a safe and free space for all people who exercise their right to freedom of expression.”
