Kurt De Loor (Belgian MP) : ‘Cuban Five - Release Now !’

On the 9thof August, 2005, the American Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta nullified the trial against the ‘Cuban Five’. According to the Court it is impossible to guarantee a fair and impartial trial in Miami in a case Cuba is involved.

After the verdict of the Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta a year ago, the  Cuban Five would be thought to have been released as soon as possible, if only to slightly compensate the injustice they have suffered during the past eight years.  

In my opinion, it is very clear : the verdict of the five is reversed, their sentences are overturned, so nothing justifies the imprisonment of the ‘Cuban Five’ any longer. 

Every right-minded politician should fully side with the demand of the ‘Free the Five’-committees and subscribe to the request for their release with great conviction and through all means. 

A straightforward policy?

Obviously the United States do not intend to take into consideration the UN report of May 2005 about the case.  In this report the UN Commission on Human Rights points out the violation of human rights in the case of the ‘Cuban Five’ and denounces the arrests as arbitrary. The verdict of the Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta is also complacently disregarded.

The Cuban Five have my full support

Only strong international solidarity can free the ‘Cuban Five’. The international community has a huge responsibility in this matter. As a member of Parliament, I support the release of the ‘Cuban Five’ and I will contribute breaking down the wall of silence around this injustice. 
On 13th of February 2006 – the day the Circuit Court of Appeal in Atlanta reopened the case – I went to Atlanta to give my support to the Cuban Five. 

Meanwhile, several national and regional members of parliament, as well as international personalities, have denounced the injustice the five Cubans suffered through declarations, open letters and petitions, at the same time protesting against the violation of their human rights and those of their relatives.
32 members of Belgian Parliament as well expressed their concern about this violation of human rights. To put people unjustly behind bars for eight years, of which long periods in isolation cells, denying them the right of regular visits from their family, is unacceptable. 
Since the trial was nullified and the sentences were overturned, nothing justifies the detention of the five Cubans any longer.

If – in the future - my representation in Cuba or the United States, or any (political) act can contribute to give the Cuban Five a fair trial or to release them, I’m ready to take action.

Kurt De Loor
Member of Parliament 
Flanders – Belgium
9th of August 2006