The US Violates its Own Laws in the Case of the Cuban Five

_ BAYAMO, Cuba, Nov 5 (acn) The judicial process against the five Cuban heroes condemned to harsh sentences in the US for fighting terrorism constitutes a flagrant violation of that northern country’s legislative precepts.

These were the words of Alexis Guerra, professor of the School of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) in Granma province, during a panel held as part of the meeting “In the name of peace,” organized by the territorial office of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).

While referring to the US Constitution, he exemplified that the Fifth Amendment refutes depriving someone of their freedom without due process of law. In the case of Gerardo Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Rene Gonzalez, most actions have been incorrect, he pointed out.

He explained that these brave men, who were condemned in 1998 to arbitrary sentences for preventing their country against criminal actions, have been the object of cruel and inhuman treatment, imprisoned in punishment cells for long periods of time, without having committed any crime.

The unfair confinement -he asserted- breaks international human rights conventions; the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners; and the Eight Amendment, which establish that no cruel or unusual sentences can be  inflicted.

Attending the meeting were Magali Llort and Mirta Rodriguez, mothers of Fernando and Antonio, respectively, who, overcome by emotion, expressed their appreciation for the support of the people of Granma for the immediate return of these heroes to their homeland.

We’re not alone in this struggle, and on behalf of Gerardo, Fernando, Ramon, Antonio and Rene we thank you for your support, since the smallest detail about the truth of this case is important in a battle that will be defined only by way of solidarity, they said.

Also participating in the meeting was Sonia Perez, first secretary of the Cuban Communist Party in Granma, and other leaders, intellectuals, journalists, artists and students.

cubanews.ain.cu