African-American Activists: Free the Cuban 5

Washington, Jul 7. -Members of the African-American community sent a letter to President Barack Obama demanding the release of five Cuban antiterrorist fighters who have been held unjustly in U.S. prisons for almost 13 years.

The initiative by Joan P. Gibbs, member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, and Rosemary Mealy, author of the book "Fidel and Malcolm X: Memories of a Meeting," was supported by hundreds of activists in solidarity with the cause of the Five.

Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez are currently serving long, harsh sentences in U.S. federal prisons as a result of their convictions, states the text.

During the trial in Miami of the Five, as they are universally known, it was shown that they monitored actions planned by terrorist groups in the United States to inflict damage and death on the Cuban people, the letter says.

The document also notes how for decades, those extremist groups participated in countless activities against Cuba and against any person who advocated normal relations between Cuba and the United States.

The letter also mentioned other shady and unjust processes against black activists, and emphasizes that Cuba "has always supported the struggles of people of African descent, not only in Africa but also in the diaspora."

The letter, sent on July 5, is part of the actions organized by the International Committee to Free the Five on the fifth day of each month worldwide to demand that Washington end that injustice. (Prensa Latina)