Crowe calls for the release of the Cuban Five

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has called for the release of the group known as the ‘Cuban Five’. The Cubans, Gerardo Hernandez, Ramón Labañino, Fernando Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero and René Gonzalez, were arrested in Miami 14 years ago this month.

Deputy Crowe this week met Magali Llort, mother of Fernando Gonzalez, and Dr. Haymel Espinosa, who is the daughter of the co-pilot of the civilian Cubano plane which exploded after a bomb on board exploded in Barbados in 1967.

After the meeting Deputy Crowe said:

“On this the 14^th year anniversary of the imprisonment of the Cuban Five, I would like to be associated with the calls for the release of these men.

“Magali Llort and Dr. Haymel Espinosa spoke in-depth about the case and subsequent trial of the Five, and it seems quite evident that these men did not get a fair and independent trial. Additionally some of the families of the five men say they have never received visas to see their loved ones, and those who have face enormous barriers in obtaining them. I support them in their quest to find justice for their family members.

“Major human right organisations such as Amnesty International and the UN Human Rights Council share concerns that the men have not received a fair trial and throughout their detention they have had their human rights violated.

“One of the men René Gonzalez has now been released. He is being forced to stay and remain in Florida for three years on probation despite the real and daily threat to his life; he should be allowed return to his family in Cuba.

In the interest of fairness  the other prisoners who pose no threat should also be released from jail and allowed  return to their families and loved ones in Cuba.

Note: There is a public meeting organised by the Free the Cuban Five Campaign in Connolly Room, Liberty Hall at 6.30pm Wednesday 19^th September, at which Magali Llort and Dr. Haymel Espinosa will speak. All concerned people should attend.