Resolution to Free the Cuban Five

This resolution was submitted but has not passed the Michigan State House

Reps. Lemmons, III, Lemmons, Jr., Cushingberry, McConico, Murphy and Nofs offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 229.

A resolution to memorialize the President and the Congress of the United States and the Justice Department to free the "Cuban Five."

Whereas, Five Cubans are in American prison cells for activities these individuals undertook to monitor Cuban-American individuals and groups seeking to disrupt life in Cuba. These five prisoners were falsely accused and convicted of espionage, and they were sentenced to four life sentences and 75 years; and

Whereas, The five individuals known as the Cuban Five, Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez, and Rene Gonzalez, were working to combat illegal activities of Miami-based anti-Cuba organizations and individuals. The Cuban Five were arrested in 1998 and placed in solitary confinement prior to their conviction in June 2001 and their sentencing in December 2001. In August 2005, an appellate court overturned their conviction and ordered a new trial outside of Miami. This action was reversed in October, and the Cuban Five remain imprisoned; and

Whereas, The Cuban people have suffered in many ways over the past four and one-half decades from illegal actions taken against their country. The Cuban Five are in prison as victims of the continued political maneuvering against their country. Many people are upset that these political victims have been targeted instead of those who have taken actions against the Cuban people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States and the Justice Department to free the "Cuban Five"; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Office of the President of the Untied States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the United States Department of Justice.

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Government Operations
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