NZ Committee to Free the Cuban Five

Media Release                                                                                                                                                                      December 17th 2009

‘Reduced Sentences - Necessary but not sufficient’

The NZ Committee to Free the Cuban Five has welcomed the news that two of the Five have had their sentences reduced.  Group spokesperson Warren Brewer  described the hearing outcome as necessary but not sufficient.

“As welcome as the news is” stated Mr Brewer “it’s only a very partial victory - a just solution would see the Five back with their families tomorrow, not languishing in US prisons”.

Fernando González’s 19 year sentence was reduced  to 17 years, nine months and Ramón Labañino’s life term plus 18 years to 30 years at a hearing ordered by an appeals court which ruled that their original sentences were too harsh.  Ramón and Fernando were transferred, along with Antonio Guerrero whose life sentence was reduced two months ago), to Miami for the resentencing. 

The Five were sentenced collectively to four life terms plus 75 years in 2001 in a case roundly condemned by many including many Noble Laureates and the United Nations, which has ruled the Five’s continued incarceration as ‘arbitrary’.

Mr Brewer noted that the international campaign to free the five had been instrumental in driving the re-sentencing. “The prosecution in Antonio’s case acknowledged as much and until such time as the Five are returned to their families the campaign will continue”

ends

© Scoop Media