The Aula Magna of the University of Romatre in this capital was the setting on Wednesday for a meeting with Gerardo Hernandez, who is currently the national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), and one of five Cuban heroes who were unjustly held in US prisons for 16 years.

The event was chaired by Cuban Ambassador to Italy, Mirta Granda, and had the presence of officials from the diplomatic corps, members of friendship associations with the island, members of political parties and progressive forces, and representatives of the Cuban community residing in this country.

Upon introducing Gerardo Hernandez, who is also a lawmaker and a member of the Cuban Council of State, Granda recalled that the Five’s trial was one of the most politicized in history, in which they were sentenced to irrational sentences, but “they never gave up, they never wavered.”

The ambassador stated that a campaign demanding their release was launched worldwide, a cause that “was embraced with great passion and conviction” in Italy, around which “friends mobilized constantly until the cruel injustice was defeated.”

Marco Papacci, president of the Italy-Cuba Friendship Association (ANAIC), highlighted the importance of this long-awaited visit, which was organized by the group and includes an extensive program in several cities until July 9.

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