FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 1997
CONTACT: Xavier Utset
856-9787
FIU Student Succeeds In Obtaining Support From Russians for the Release of Armando Alonso Romero, a Cuban Prisoner of Conscience.
Xavier Utset, an officer of the FIU Human Rights Action Council traveled to Russia and succeeded in obtaining support from Russian organizations and political leaders for the Cuban prisoner of conscience, Armando Alonso Romero. ICDLL of Armando Alonso Romero will be holding a press conference on the plight of Cuban political prisoners tomorrow at 12 noon in the Labor Center at Florida International University - South Campus located on 107th Ave. and South West 8th Street.
Several letters were addressed to the Cuban Minister of the Interior requesting that "any charges brought against [Armando Alonso Romero] in connection with his attempt to peacefully exercise his right to freedom of expression and entry be dropped, and that he be released immediately." This letter is signed by Anatoly Shabad, Deputy of the 5th State Duma Russian Federation. A. Smirnov, Director, of the Moscow Research Center for Human Rights requested that "proper medical attention is given to him." I.L. Ponomarev, Co-chairman of the movement "Democratic Russia" stated that "access to a lawyer of his choice is granted to [Armando Alonso Romero]. "The support of Memorial and the Radical party (principally), has been crucial for the massive expansion in Russia of interest for Armando," stated Utset.
A number of these organizations have indicated an interest in building relationships with Cuban human rights organizations. The Cuban government was not as forthcoming with regards to Armando Alonso Romero's case. "When I attempted to obtain an interview with Cuban ambassador, the secretary denied me access for being a "Spanish citizen," and when I requested an explanation she called me ill-mannered' and she hung up on me," recalled Xavier Utset.
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