News & events
Britain Bans Miami 5 Hero
Britain bowed to Washington yesterday and banned Cuban star witness René González from attending a landmark inquiry into discredited US prison sentences handed to him and four compatriots. Cuba solidarity activists confirmed the "unsettling" news hours before he had been scheduled to arrive in London. Anger grew as it was revealed that Mr González has been granted a visa by France that will allow him travel across Europe - apart from close US ally Britain. Morning Star, 4 March 2014
British authorities said he had been blocked under rules allowing them to ban people who have spent four or more years in prison.
Foreign Office ministers maintained their stubborn stance despite personal approaches and letters from at least a dozen MPs.
Labour MP Grahame Morris condemned the "appalling" ban. "I suspect that the US authorities have applied political pressure on the Foreign Office," said Mr Morris. "Even at this late hour, I appeal to the Foreign Office to show a sense of fairness and justice, and issue the visa."
Mr González was allowed to return home last year following more than 13 years in jail for exposing terrorism plans against his country hatched by rabidly anti-socialist Cuban exiles. He is the only one of the "Miami Five" political prisoners to have been released.
Full article here: http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-8b81-Britain-bans-miami-5-hero#.Uyt0z164ZjN