The initiative by Joan P. Gibbs, a member of the National Conference of Black Lawyers, and Rosemari Mealy, lawyer and author of the book ‘Fidel and Malcolm X: Memories of a Meeting’, was backed by hundreds of activists in solidarity with Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez —internationally known as the Cuban Five—, who were arrested and given harsh and unjust sentences for monitoring anti-Cuba extreme right-wing groups in South Florida that were planning and carrying out terrorist actions against the Caribbean nation.

The letter to the U.S. president points out that, for decades, these terrorist groups participated in countless activities against Cuba and against anyone advocating the normalization of relations between Havana and Washington.

“In this context, the actions of the Five were heroic because they were willing to sacrifice their own lives in what constitutes an act of defense of all humanity,” Mealy said.

“They were forced to face trial in a city and a jury infected with hatred and political prejudice against all supporters of the Cuban government,” she noted.

“We will send this letter periodically until they are freed,” Gibbs announced. “Working for the release of the Five is the least we can do for them,” he added.