New York meeting to free the Cuban 5

As part of recent worldwide events in solidarity with the Cuban Five, hundreds of supporters gathered in New York City to call for freedom for these U.S. political prisoners. On Jan. 13, several groups and individuals sponsored an event that featured speakers, music and food in the auditorium of SEIU/Local 1199 in Times Square.

Leslie Feinberg, an initiator of Rainbow Solidarity for the Cuban Five, with Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz. WW photo: Teresa Gutierrea

The highlight of the event was a presentation by Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations, Mr. Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz.

Ambassador Malmierca Díaz gave a stirring but sobering presentation on the case of the Cuban Five. He explained why the Cuban government was forced to send people to Florida to monitor U.S.-sponsored terrorists’ activities against Cuba. More than 3,000 people have died as a result of this terrorism and more than 2,000 have been injured.

“Cuba has the right and the duty to defend itself,” said Malmierca Díaz. He said it is the Revolution’s moral duty to protect the institutions that have been built for the people.

There have been many outstanding declarations pointing out the unfair and unjust trial of the Cuban Five and many in favor of freeing the Five. These include, the ambassador said, the UN Arbitrary Detentions Report and the ruling by nine of the judges from the 11^th Circuit of Appeals. But today, he said, there is “a new situation.” Legal options are almost exhausted.

It is now ever more important for everyone to continue to demand justice for the Five. Their families are denied visas to visit them, Ambassador Malmierca Díaz reminded the crowd.

“Nothing or nobody will make the Five give up” he said. The work to free the Five must continue. “Your work in spreading the truth is vital.”

The event was sponsored by the Venceremos Brigade, Popular Education Front for the Cuban Five, New York Committee to Free the Five, Pastors for Peace and many other organizations.