UK bans Miami Five hero

David Cameron has bowed to Washington and refused an entry visa to René González, a Cuban man who spent 13 years in a US jail for trying to defend his country against terrorism.

British MPs and union leaders have urged the UK government to reconsider its decision to deny Mr González from attending a landmark inquiry into discredited US prison sentences handed to him and four compatriots known as the ‘Miami Five’.

British authorities said he had been blocked under rules that allow them to ban people who have spent more than four years in prison. But the sense of injustice grew as it was revealed that he has been granted a visa by France, which will allow him to travel over the rest of Europe.

Dozens of MPs have written letters and made personal appeals to try and have the decision reversed but their attempts have been in vain.

“The British government has ignored an invitation from 29 British MPs for René to come and speak at a meeting in parliament. How is this in the national interest? asked Len McClusky, Unite general secretary.

“Given the high profile nature of this case and the numerous letters and appeals from MPs for the home secretary to show discretion in this case, the decision must be seen as a political one.”

René and the other members of the Miami Five were arrested in Miami in 1998 for infiltrating US-based terrorist groups responsible for attacks against Cuba. He was due to speak at meetings in Liverpool at the TUC and London from September 8-10, to mark the 16th anniversary of their arrests.

René is currently in the middle of visits to Portugal and France, both countries having granted him a visa without issue.

“It is ridiculous that Rene is able to attend events in Portugal and France this week but is not allowed a visa to come here to meet with MPs,” said Cuba Solidarity Campaign’s Rob Miller.

“It’s embarrassing that Britain looks destined to become the only European country to which René is denied entry.”

Mr González was allowed to return home last year following more than 13 years in jail for exposing terrorism plans against his country.

He is the only one of ‘ ‘Miami Five’ political prisoners to have been released.

The others – Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero and Fernando González – are still in US jails on terms ranging up to life for their anti-terror activities.