Cuban Parliament President Ricardo Alarcon called on the youth of the world to break the wall of silence raised by the corporate media against the case of the five Cuban antiterrorist fighters held in US jails. Alarcon addressed over 180 youths from 33 nations currently attending the 3rd International Youth Meeting of Solidarity with the Cuban Five.

Alarcón denounced the corporate media, for which there are no names like Gerardo Hernández, Antonio Guerrero, René González, Ramón Labañino and Fernando Gonzalez, who for nearly 13 years have been serving long and unjust sentences, and the punishment of media silence.

Video:  Irma González, daughter of René González, speaks of solidarity with the Cuban Five

"They have spent much of their youth in prison under tough conditions, away from family, friends, and their homeland, subjected to long periods in solitary confinement , while and many are still forced to believe they were convicted of espionage, which is argument that not even the U.S. government was able to maintain,”Alarcón stated.

Also member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba, Alarcon called on participants to use new technologies and alternative media, while using other forms such as the person-to-person work.

In addressing the situation of Gerardo Hernández, sentenced to two life sentences plus fifteen years, Alarcón said that the legal struggle now focuses on the extraordinary appeal of habeas corpus, based on two pillars: the Miami judicial farce centered on the downing of the light aircrafts owned by the Miami-based Brothers to the Rescue group, something that Gerardo had nothing to do with, and the U.S. payment of some journalists to distort information and launch a campaign against the Five.

The young delegates at the conference shared views with Alarcón about the actions they have taken in their countries for the release of the Cuban heroes and said they still have much to do upon their return home.

During the Sunday session Irma Gonzalez, daughter of Rene Gonzalez spoke about the ongoing solidarity actions with the Cuban Five. Watch the video below:


Translated by: Daysi Olano

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