Cuban Five to Reach 12th Year in Prison
HAVANA TIMES, September 5 — The International Committee to Free the Cuban 5 notes that September 12 marks twelve years in US prisons for the five men, accused of conspiracy to commit espionage and other crimes. Cuba maintains their mission in the US was to penetrate terrorist groups operating out of Miami to gather information that would prevent attacks against Cuba.
The following is the committee’s press release
END THE INJUSTICE, FREEDOM NOW!
This September 12th will mark the twelfth anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of Gerardo Hernandez, Ramón Labañino, René Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando Gonzalez, our five brothers who are political prisoners in the United States for fighting against terrorism.
Twelve years in which Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio have served over a decade of time in high security prisons. Twelve years where René and Gerardo were unable to see their wives. Twelve years where the Five have been forced into isolation cells for more than 635 days.
Twelve years of pain for five Cuban families who have seen their children grow up without the presence of their fathers. Twelve years of having to say goodbye to their loved ones without the embrace of their children. Twelve years of not knowing when they will receive the next “blessed authorization” to see their relatives again. Twelve years of shame for the justice of a country that pretends by lecturing the world about human rights.
The International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban Five joins with others in the international effort which starts on September 12 and extends to October 8, the date of the death in combat of Che, as part of the ongoing battle for truth, justice and the freedom of the Five.
During this time, the world will be reminded that on September 21, 1976, the former foreign minister of Chile, Orlando Letelier and his North American secretary Ronnie Moffitt, were assassinated in Washington DC. Also during this time, it will be remembered what happened on October 6, 34 years ago when a plane was blown up in mid-air over the coast of Barbados killing 73 innocent people on board. Those who confessed to this heinous crime, Orlando Bosch and Luis Posada Carriles, today enjoy privileges awarded by the US government and are free to walk the streets of Miami as honorable citizens instead of the international criminals that they are.
Today, September 4, on the thirteenth anniversary of the death of Fabio Di Celmo, a young Italian tourist who died from a bomb blast that was planted in a Cuban hotel by order of the same Luis Posada Carriles, we join with people from around the world in all their initiatives and activities from September 12 – October 8.
On behalf of the memory of Fabio, of the victims of Barbados, and of all of those who have suffered death and wounds by the actions of terrorist groups based in Miami. And on behalf of all peoples right to live in peace, we raise our voices, along with honest men and women from all over the world to renew our commitment, to multiply our efforts, day by day, step by step, so that together we can achieve the return of the Cuban Five to their families and their homeland.
We demand President Obama to put an end to this injustice and order the freedom of the Five Cuban Patriots Now!
International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5
To learn more about the latest developments on the case of the Cuban 5 visit: www.thecuban5.org