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Evening of Solidarity with the Cuban 5 at SEIU Union Hall
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People of good will from all over the world have responded to the call of organizing activities from September 4 to October 6 to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of the Cuban 5.
These two days were not selected randomly but instead mark a very dark moment in the history of terrorism against Cuba that will never be forgotten until justice is done. On September 4, 1997 an explosive device in the lobby of the Copacabana hotel in Havana killed Fabio DiCelmo, an Italian tourist. And on October 6, 1976 a Cuban airliner was blown up in mid-air killing 73 innocent people. The person who masterminded both of these terrorist attacks, Luis Posada Carriles, today enjoys complete freedom in Miami.
The Cuban 5, who are considered Heroes by the Cuban people, were sent to Miami precisely to prevent future attacks against innocent people in Cuba and in the United States. The heroic and dangerous work they were carrying out is now receiving greater respect and admiration from people all over the world. More people than ever are joining in the struggle to free Antonio, Ramon and Gerardo.
This anniversary of the imprisonment of the five brought a widening of events in the U.S. with many cities organizing activities including Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Minnesota, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
In Washington DC, in the center of political power, the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5 organized the following activities:
- Visits to 20 offices of Capitol Hill and a meeting at the State Department.
- Public events at Impact Hub and Casa Rutilio Grande in Takoma Park.
- A rally in front of the White House.
- The Premier Opening of Antonio Guerrero’s new exhibit “Absolved by Solidarity" followed by an evening of solidarity at the SEIU Hall. Cuban Ambassador in Washington. D.C. Jose Ramon Cabanas opened the exhibit followed by music and a panel discussion with special guests including Yeidckol Polenvsky, ex President of the Mexican Senate, Professor Piero Gleijeses and Canadian author Stephen Kimber. Ann Wright, U.S. Army colonel and retired U.S. State Department official was unable to attend but sent her statement that was read in its entirety at the event.
The movement in solidarity with the Cuban 5 will not go away until Gerardo, Ramon and Antonio return to their loved ones.
16 year is too long!
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