Brazilians Demand Release for Cuban 5

Brasilia, Dec 13 (Prensa Latina) Brazilians demanded the release of five Cuban antiterrorist fighters held in the United States during a videoconference at the headquarters of the Democratic Labor Party (PDT), in the presence of about 5,000 internet users.

Journalist Leite Filho, author of the book "Quien tiene miedo de Hugo Chavez" (Who's Afraid of Hugo Chavez) recounted the unjust sentences imposed on Antonio Guerrero, Gerardo Hernandez, Rene Gonzalez, Fernando Gonzalez and Ramon Labañino, and referred to their current situation.

He noted that these people were imprisoned for investigating terrorist groups based in Miami, whose attacks against the Cuban people killed more than 3,500 people and injured another 2,000.

He recalled that Gerardo Hernandez, the youngest man of the group, was condemned to two life sentences plus 15 years in prison, while Rene Gonzalez remains on supervised release, with which he has been forced to remain in the United States separated from his family in Cuba.

Many Brazilians, including a U.S.-based young woman, joined the debate carried out by a website of the Leonel Brizola University, to join their voices and denounce the unjust sentence and rights violations committed against the Five, as they are known internationally.

Religious figures such as Frei Betto, PDT general secretary Manuel Dias, federal legislator Josias Gomes, of the Workers' Party, and Helio Doyle, coordinator of the Committee for the Release of the Five in Brasilia, participated in this videoconference.

Adriana Perez and Olga Salanueva, spouses of Gerardo and Rene, respectively, joined the debate and called attention to the human rights violations committed in the United States against the Five.

Alicia Jrapko, coordinator of the International Committee to Free the Cuban Five, also participated in this activity, reiterating the need to send letters to U.S. President Barack Obama demanding that he attend to their freedom.

PRENSA LATINA