[NYTr] Venceremos Brigade Returns from Cuba to US Across Canadian
 
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:33:40 -0400

Via NY Transfer News Collective  *  All the News that Doesn't Fit
 
Reuters via TV News (New Zealand) - Jul 29, 2007
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411416/1257935

US pro-Cuba protesters defy ban

American protesters walked across the border from Canada after a visit
to Cuba that violated a US travel ban, in the spotlight after Michael
Moore's film on health care in both countries. About 60 members of
pro-Cuba group Venceremos Brigade walked the Peace Bridge border
crossing linking Canada and Buffalo, New York, on their return from
Havana. US travelers to Cuba often fly through Canada, which has
regular flights to the country. 

"The government is telling us we don't have a right to travel, and we
think we do, so we're ready to wage a legal battle with our
government," brigade member Kathe Karlson said as the group gathered in
Fort Erie, Ontario, for the 1.6 km trek across the bridge. The
protesters walked in groups of 15, hauling their luggage up a narrow
sidewalk high above the Niagara River as trucks, buses and cars rumbled
by on the three-lane span. 

Every year since 1969, the brigade has sent a group to help rebuild
public buildings in Cuba and learn more about a communist country that
has been off-limits to most US citizens since the ban was imposed at
the height of the Cold War in the 1960s. US restrictions on trade and
travel to Cuba have faced opposition lately from some lawmakers.

Moore's film "SiCKO," in which he takes rescue workers injured in the
Sept 11 attacks to Havana for free medical treatment, has also put a
spotlight on the countries' relations. US authorities have been
investigating Moore's trip as a potential violation of Washington's
travel restriction. Americans who travel to Cuba without permission
generally do not face arrest on their return, but some face civil fines
of $7,500 (NZ$9,799) for spending money in Cuba without a license, and
tough questions from immigrations official are typical.

Bonnie Massey, a 26-year-old social worker from the Bronx, said nine of
the 600 people who have participated in the trips over the past six
years have been threatened with fines. "Those people are waiting for
hearings," she said.

The group would welcome the opportunity to take a case to the US
Supreme Court, Massey said. They may have a long wait.
   
US customs officials processed the first 15 members through in about 20
minutes, with minimal fuss. 
   
Source: Reuters
 
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