[NYTr] North American Activists Gather to Support Cuban 5
 
Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:37:20 -0600 (CST)

Via NY Transfer News Collective  *  All the News that Doesn't Fit
 
Workers World - Nov 22, 2007 issue
http://www.workers.org/2007/world/cuban5-1122

North American activists gather to support the Cuban Five

By Julie Fry
Toronto

On Nov. 9-10, hundreds of North American activists gathered in Toronto
for a conference on the case of the Cuban Five. During the two days,
Canadian and U.S. activists shared their ideas and experiences in the
campaign to free the five Cuban political prisoners being held in the
U.S.

One of the common problems cited by the activists in their work was the
mainstream media suppression of information about the case. People
discussed the work they are doing to break through what they called an
information blockade about the Five. The participants, who included
people from all over the continent, discussed the rallies, film
screenings, public forums, and media campaigns they are working on to
spread information about the case. In Detroit, for example, activists
were able to have a city council resolution passed in support of the
Five.

Also participating in the conference were several Cuban leaders. Among
them was Elizabet Palmeiro, the wife of Ramon LabaC1inobone of the Five.
She read a message of solidarity from Ramon to the conference, and
spoke about how difficult it is for many of the family members of the
Five to visit them in prison. The U.S. government continues to deny
visas to family members of the Five; several of the Five have not seen
their loved ones since they were detained in 1998.

Leonard Weinglass, one of the attorneys for the Five, attended the
conference and provided a legal update on the case. He stated that he
expects a decision from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on the
most recent appeal sometime after the new year, but he does not know
for sure when they will issue a decision.

Conference participants made a proposal for an international day of
action in support of the Five, which would take place on the day after
the court of appeals issues its decision, whenever that is. The
proposal calls for activists all over the world to organize actions in
support of the Five on that day, regardless of how the Court of Appeals
rules. In addition, the conference participants adopted a resolution
affirming their support for the Five and their continued dedication to
the struggle for their freedom. 

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