Women Int’l Federation Asks Obama to Release the Cuban Five

The Women’s International Democratic Federation
meeting in Almada (Portugal) asked U.S. President Barack Obama to do
justice to the five Cuban anti-terrorist fighters unfairly imprisoned in
his country for fighting terrorism against Cuba.

In a letter addressed to the U.S. president signed by representatives from
23 countries, the organization urged the White House to immediately
release Gerardo Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez, Ramon Labañino and Antonio
Guerrero, and to allow Rene Gonzalez to return to Cuba as he has already
served his jail sentence, reads a Prensa Latina report.

Rene has been forced to stay in the Southern District of Florida for three
years on probation, as an additional punishment imposed on him after
having been served his full time in prison.

Founded in 1945, WIDF, which brings together hundreds of groups and
constitutes the voice of millions of women all over the world, asked Obama
to agree to the request as a humanitarian gesture in correspondence with
his Nobel Peace Prize awarded to him.

The organization dedicated a full session to the solidarity with Cuba and
Palestine. During the meeting, Maria Guerreiro de Sousa, president of the
Municipal Chamber of Almada, in the district of Setubal, said the Cuban
Five are a true example of resistance.

She added that Antonio, Gerardo, Fernando, Ramon and Rene represent the
Cuban people which has endured for more than 50 years the U.S. economic
blockade, its hostility and terrorism acts planned and executed by groups
from that country taking a toll on more than 5,000 victims.

Regina Marques, coordinator of the Democratic Movement of Portuguese
Women, said the Cuban Five’s situation has been silenced by the media of
the U.S. and its European allies noting that it is important for the U.S.
public opinion to learn the truth about the case and not to rest until
they are sent back to Cuba.

WIDF’s president Marcia Campos asked all women’s organizations of the
world to join the cause of the Cuban Five.

The WIDF is getting ready for its 15th Congress scheduled for April 12 in
Sao Paulo, Brazil.  Present in the meeting were Cuban ambassador to
Portugal Eduardo Gonzalez, and Elpidia Moreno, delegate of the Cuban Women
Federation.

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