Cuba commemorates 10 years since release of 5 citizens from US prisons

The five Cubans were arrested in US prisons on charges related to uncovering cells operating within the Cuban community in Miami, which were planning sabotage operations in Cuba.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez gives a press conference in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023 (AP)

Cuba commemorated the 10th anniversary of the release of its citizens from US prisons, with President Miguel Diaz-Canel and senior state officials in attendance.

During the commemorative ceremony, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that the late leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, stood firm against injustice and demanded the release of the five Cubans held in US prisons.

He emphasized that their return signifies that “no matter the challenges, resistance, and faith in victory are essential for justice to prevail.”

Con la presencia de Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez se celebró el 10 aniversario del regreso de los Cinco Héroes a la Patria.
Fue un encuentro lleno de emociones en el que se festejó la victoria de millones en el mundo sobre la injusticia y el odio hacia #Cuba.#AbajoelTerrorismo pic.twitter.com/EBGTVVXI1d

— Funcionamiento AMPP Ciego Olivera (@AmppCiego46923) December 18, 2024

Gerardo Hernandez, one of the five released from US prisons, told Al Mayadeen that “the struggle was long.”

“We spent 16 years in prison, and imperialism always sought to break us and use us as a weapon against the Revolution,” he indicated.

“However, they failed because we remained committed to our principles.”

Similarly, university professor Kenia Serrano told Al Mayadeen that “this is an important day, reaffirming that we were able to defeat the enemy.”

She pointed out that “this victory came through our unity and our sincere defense of our principles.”

It is worth noting that the five Cubans were arrested in US prisons on charges related to uncovering cells operating within the Cuban community in Miami, which were planning sabotage operations in Cuba.

From the time of their arrest, Cuba made their case a priority and secured a United Nations resolution condemning their arbitrary detention and unjust trial process, which ultimately led to their release in 2014.