Much ado about the U.S. blockade of Cuba

The Rev. Lucius Walker, founder of Pastors for Peace and the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, sat in New York State Supreme Court Justice Judith Gische’s courtroom on Sept. 23. With him, a rainbow of supporters filled every seat.

The hearing continued the attempts by Richard Condon, the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, to compel information about an April 2007 educational trip to Cuba by Beacon High School students. The issue in the hearing was whether or not the SCI could edit and keep secret parts of the interrogation transcripts, then use the redacted version as evidence against the  Rev. Walker in two contempt of court motions. These serious charges could result in fines or jail time.

The judge ruled secretly edited transcripts could not be used, raising the possibility that the contempt motions might also be withdrawn. The next hearing date was not set.

Underlying all this is the ongoing U.S. government’s vicious war against socialist Cuba and, by extension, those who dare to exercise their constitutional right to travel there. Cuba is the only country in the world to which the U.S. government attempts to ban travel. Condon cited “an ongoing investigation” as the reason for not providing the transcript to the court or defense attorneys. This assertion may indicate that SCI is being used by federal government agencies for information gathering.

Afterward, during a brief meeting with supporters in the courtroom, American Civil Liberties Union attorney Linda Backiel, who along with Palyn Hung represented Walker and IFCO, pointed out that the hearing was over a technical point and in some ways like the Shakespeare comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.” But its real importance was demonstrated by so many people coming to court to show their concern and support.

The Rev. Walker thanked supporters and announced a special hurricane reconstruction caravan to include volunteer carpenters, plumbers and electricians who would help rebuild Pinar Del Rio, Cuba.