-Canadian Network On Cuba, September 12, 2013 -

15 Years ago, on September 12th 1998, Five heroic Cubans were arrested and imprisoned for defending their country from terrorism. This was their only crime: preventing terrorist attacks launched against Cuba from Florida with the tacit complicity of the United States’ government. These attacks have claimed more than 1,400 victims since 1959. The Five Heroes were detained in Miami and given harsh sentences – ranging from 15-years to two-life sentences.

Far from being dispirited, beaten or broken, the Five Heroes have refused to surrender. They hold their heads high and have refused to abandon their principles – principles forged and deeply rooted in Cuban revolutionary history. As exemplars of Cuba, they embody the best of the indomitable human striving for justice and peace. While, Washington had hoped to consign them to oblivion, the peoples of the world have taken up the cause to win the freedom of each of these Cuban patriots. Collectively, these Five Heroes - Fernando González Llort, René González Sehwerert, Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo and Ramón Labañino Salazar – are global symbols of the struggle for self-determination, independence and human dignity.

The Cause of the Five Heroes resonates with Canadians, who are outraged at their unjust incarceration for simply defending their homeland from aggression. Across Canada a series of events and activities are taking place as part of the international campaign to mark this 15th anniversary of the unjust imprisonment of the Five Heroes and demand their immediate release. For example, in Toronto a rally was held at the U.S. consulate calling for the freedom of the Five. In British Columbia, Vancouver, Nanaimo, Kamloops and Bowen Island will host events, including a rally at the U.S. consulate in Vancouver and a number of cultural and educational activities. These actions reflect the resolute determination to break the wall of silence and disinformation that U.S. authorities seek to impose around this valiant struggle.

In a world teetering on the brink of war, facing calamities that threaten the well-being of humanity, the Five Heroes remind us that there are other ways in which human relations and societies can be arranged. This in no small way has galvanized the international solidarity and friendship movement with Cuba to fight until their freedom is won!

FREE THE CUBAN FIVE NOW!