North American activists gather to support the Cuban Five

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 Labañino—one 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 11^th 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.