Cycling for the freedom of the Cuban Five Nuria Barbosa León (text & photos) Five young people from different countries cycled through towns and cities in the east of Cuba, braving the intense August sun to demand that the U.S. government release Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino and Antonio Guerrero, unjustly imprisoned 16 years ago. Although René González and Fernando González have already completed their full sentences, the call for freedom continues as justice for this cause has not yet been achieved. A trial compromised and negatively influenced by media campaigns condemned these five Decorated Heroes of the Republic of Cuba to maximum prison sentences for attempting to prevent acts of terrorism planned by anti-Cuban groups operating in U.S. territory. The bike tour was lead by three students from the Latin American School of Medicine, Safwat Abu Rob, from Palestine, Adelson Aurelio Mucuelo from Angola and Adriano Bruno Belo Castañola, from East Timor; together with two young workers; Colombian Julián Andrés Gutiérrez Marín and Cuban Claudia García Pérez. The slogan “I want you free” guided the event in which the participants cycled more than 200 kilometers around neighborhoods in Havana and Artemisa, taking part in agricultural activities at historic sites, and with work collectives. Student Adriano Bruno Belo Castanhola, from East Timor, told Granma International that the initiative is the continuation of a previous activity realized last year. “The objective was never to cycle many kilometers, or to compete with each other. We planned a route and prepared to leave and arrive together, sending the message of freedom for the Cuban patriots. “We had a great welcome from Cubans - said Adriando - they showed us kindness, love and friendship. I was very excited by the people waving and shouting with patriotic signs supporting the Cuban Five. Other cyclists accompanied us during the tour; I saw small boys and girls riding their bicycles behind us. Very close to the Salvador Allende Hospital where I study, a great chorus of workers waved their hands to be seen by the world. I felt accompanied by the people in this act.” Fernando González inaugurated the tour on August 14, praising the initiative, being undertaken for the second time, and wishing not to attend another cycle tour, since that would mean that his brothers in the cause had been freed. “This will be the moment in which The Five will do a bike tour.” The caravan also visited the Julio Antonio Mella Camp, where 151 young people from 41 nations - part of the Fourth International Brigade of Foreign Students - are staying.
