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Cycling for the freedom of the
Cuban Five
Nuria Barbosa León (text & photos)
Five young people from different countries cycled
through towns and cities in the east of Cuba,
braving the intense August sun to demand that the
U.S. government release Gerardo Hernández, Ramón
Labañino and Antonio Guerrero, unjustly imprisoned
16 years ago.
 Decorated
Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Fernando González bid
farewell to the cyclists in front of José Martí
Monument in Central Park.
Although René González and Fernando González have
already completed their full sentences, the call for
freedom continues as justice for this cause has not
yet been achieved.
A trial compromised and negatively influenced by
media campaigns condemned these five Decorated
Heroes of the Republic of Cuba to maximum prison
sentences for attempting to prevent acts of
terrorism planned by anti-Cuban groups operating in
U.S. territory.
The bike tour was lead by three students from the
Latin American School of Medicine, Safwat Abu Rob,
from Palestine, Adelson Aurelio Mucuelo from Angola
and Adriano Bruno Belo Castañola, from East Timor;
together with two young workers; Colombian Julián
Andrés Gutiérrez Marín and Cuban Claudia García
Pérez.
The slogan “I want you free” guided the event in
which the participants cycled more than 200
kilometers around neighborhoods in Havana and
Artemisa, taking part in agricultural activities at
historic sites, and with work collectives.
 Young
cyclists leading the bike tour: (from left to right)
Adriano Bruno Belo Castañola, from East Timor;
Claudia García Pérez, from cuba; Safwat Abu Rob,
from Palestine; Adelson Aurelio Mucuelo, from
Angola; and Colombian Julián Andrés Gutiérrez Marín.
Student Adriano Bruno Belo Castanhola, from East
Timor, told Granma International that the
initiative is the continuation of a previous
activity realized last year. “The objective was
never to cycle many kilometers, or to compete with
each other. We planned a route and prepared to leave
and arrive together, sending the message of freedom
for the Cuban patriots.
“We had a great welcome from Cubans - said Adriando
- they showed us kindness, love and friendship. I
was very excited by the people waving and shouting
with patriotic signs supporting the Cuban Five.
Other cyclists accompanied us during the tour; I saw
small boys and girls riding their bicycles behind
us. Very close to the Salvador Allende Hospital
where I study, a great chorus of workers waved their
hands to be seen by the world. I felt accompanied by
the people in this act.”
Fernando González inaugurated the tour on August 14,
praising the initiative, being undertaken for the
second time, and wishing not to attend another cycle
tour, since that would mean that his brothers in the
cause had been freed. “This will be the moment in
which The Five will do a bike tour.” The caravan
also visited the Julio Antonio Mella Camp, where 151
young people from 41 nations - part of the Fourth
International Brigade of Foreign Students - are
staying.
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