UNISON welcomes release of ‘Miami Five’ from prison

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UNISON has welcomed the news that the remaining three of the ‘Miami Five’ have been released from prison by the United States.

The five Cubans were convicted of terrorist charges in the US having informed the US authorities of attempts by Cuban exiles in Miami to stage attacks in Cuba.

UNISON paved the way for a Commission of Inquiry to take place in London earlier this year.  The union criticised the UK government’s refusal to grant a visa to Rene Gonzalez, one of the Five who had been released earlier, who had been invited to give evidence to the Inquiry.

Our branch has actively supported the Cuban 5 and welcomes the release

UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis, who has personally written to the Five congratulating them on their release, said:

“UNISON welcome the historic move to re-establish diplomatic relations between the two neighbours. We will continue our call for the blockade to be lifted immediately as it has for too long punished an entire nation because of the hysteria of the Cold War more than 50 years ago.

“We will now support the Five to clear their names so that their criminal records, which should never have been given in the first place, may be expunged.

“We wish Fernando, Ramon, Gerardo, Antonio and Rene a very happy Christmas as they celebrate being back home with their families and friends for the first time since 1998.”