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April 24 2007 Picket Action  Organized by the Free the Cuban 5 Committee - Vancouver
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REPORT BACK
On April 24, 2007 over 30 people gathered at the U.S. Consulate in Vancouver for the monthly picket action to free the Cuban 5. However this picket became much more urgent in the days leading up to it with the news of notorious anti-Cuban terrorist Luis Posada Carriles being released from prison by the U.S. government. The speakers and chants at this picket reflected the international outcry against the release of Posada and the continued imprisonment of the 5 Cuban Heroes. The first speaker was Free the Cuban 5 Committee- Vancouver, Coordinator Noah Fine. Noah introduced the picket and the emergency character of it with news of the release of terrorist, Posada Carriles. “This monster (Posada) sits in his home in Miami, free to continue organizing terror against the Cuban people in a country whose president stated ‘if you harbor a terrorist… you’re as guilty as a terrorist.’” The next speaker was Saida Osman, Coordinator of the Students of Color Committee at Capilano College. Saida explained that terrorism by the U.S. and Posada, does not stop at Cuba, and has been used to destroy the lives of people around the world. She also stated that she will bring the case of Posada to the Capilano College Students’ Union and request they write a letter condemning his release. After Saida, Sarah Alwell, organizer with the Free the Cuban 5 Committee- Vancouver spoke outlining who really are the 5 Cuban Heroes. Sarah closed the picket stating, “In fighting to defend Cuba, the 5 were also fighting for me, fighting for everyone at this picket and for working and oppressed people around the globe…in one word, they were fighting for all of humanity. That is why it is now our responsibility to defend them!” The Picket wrapped up with announcements about the upcoming international day of action on May 11th during Posada’s trial in El Paso Texas. In Vancouver, the Free the Cuban 5 Committee and Vancouver Communities in Solidarity with Cuba (VCSC), are organizing the following events on this day of action: International Day of Action During Terrorist, Posada’s Trial Friday May 11, 2007 Picket Action Demanding: Extradite Posada to Venezuela and Free the 5 Cuban Heroes Now! 4pm-5pm U.S. Consulate (1075 W. Pender St.) Friday May 11, 2007 Public forum discussing the case of Luis Posada Carriles and the 5 anti-terrorist Cuban Heroes 6:30pm SFU Harbour Centre (515 W. Hastings St.) |
