Prensa Latina, January 27, 2009
Dr. Nuris Piñero, lawyer of the family of the Cuban Five antiterrorists imprisoned in the United States, insisted in Havana today that the US authorities are violating the rights of these families.
In an interview with the national station Radio Rebelde, the jurist stated that the obstacles are continuous for the regular visits to Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, René González and Fernando González.
Ten years ago, the Five were arrested and sentenced to excessive terms, for protecting their country from terrorist groups of Cuban origin based in Florida.
The families of the Cuban Five, as they are internationally known, have the right to have multiple visas according to U.S. Law and these are the most elemental human rights she added.
Piñero explained that the mothers, wives and children of the Cuban antiterrorists apply for interviews at the US Interests Section in Havana and then must continue to wait until the visas are granted to them for excessive periods of time.
This procedures, she said, is in violation of the rights that all prisoners have under international conventions.
The Cuban lawyer said that if the United States decided to comply and to act according to the laws, they could grant multiple entry and exit visas, for monthly family visits, as normally occurs in the US.
She also explained that in the case of the Five, the types of maximum and medium security prison they are in are characterized by disciplinary rules of total lockdowns and the prohibition of all type of visits during these circumstances.
Nevertheless, she said that the family of Gerardo, Ramón, Antonio, René and Fernando only receive visas for 30 days without taking in consideration these lockdown situations.
Piñero indicated that the defense team is working to establish the compliance with the law in this case until justice prevails and the Five are freed.
