SOLIDARITY

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International Solidarity, more necessary than ever in the case of the Cuban Five

Havana, Feb 4.- Relatives of the Cuban Five underlined that international solidarity is now more necessary than ever to obtain their freedom. The Cuban Five warned Cuba about terrorist actions that were implemented against the island from the United States.

Mirta Rodríguez and Magali Llort, the mothers of Antonio Guerrero and Fernando González, respectively, told the almost 270 members of the South American Brigade of Voluntary Work, that this year is of great significance in the struggle for the release of the Cuban Five, as they’re known all over the world.

In view of the imminent exhaustion of appeals in this case, it only remains for defense lawyers to apply for a writ of habeas corpus, which they plan to resort to in June, so only international solidarity will be able to achieve the release of these five men, they assured.

For over 11 years now, Antonio and Fernando, as well as Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and René González, are serving harsh and unjust sentences, as a consequence of a biased trial held against the Five in Miami, Florida, where the terrorist groups these Five men were monitoring, operate.

A member of the Brazilian delegation made reference to some of the actions carried out in Rio de Janeiro, like the sending of letters to US senators by trade union representatives, and the creation of a committee of parliamentarians in favor of The Five.

Argentinian Cecilia Martínez, who visits Cuba for the seventh time, told ACN about her solidarity with the Five.

Young Chilean Tamara Contreras defended Cuba’s legitimate right to defend itself from its enemies which are operating in the US, something for which the Cuban Five were fighting.

In view of the need of making the just nature of this cause known, she called for an increase in the spreading of the truth about this case, for which several organizations are working in Chile, by way of their publications, the use of information technologies, and the carrying out of demonstrations as well.

Argentinian professor Marcos Candelino criticized the silence of the press with regard to unusual events like the recent climbing of the Aconcagua –the highest mountain in The Americas-by young mountaineers who put a flag on its peak as a symbol of their demand for the release of The Five.

The Brigade, which is in Cuba since January 24, will conclude its activities in Cuba on Sunday, like voluntary agricultural work, visits to places of historical interest, along with meetings with representatives of mass organizations, as well.