RAMÓN SAUL SÁNCHEZ COMIENZA HUELGA DE HAMBRE FRENTE A LA ESTACIÓN DE GUARDACOSTAS DE MIAMI

RAMON SAUL SANCHEZ BEGINS HUNGER STRIKE IN FRONT OF MIAMI COAST GUARD STATION

                                                       

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL 305-264-7200

PARA MAS INFORMACIÓN LLAME AL  305-264-7200

Rough translation of the El Nuevo Herald story by Casto Ocando

They demand freedom for the balseros

''If the Bridge of the Seven Miles is not  American territory, then neither is the Statue of Liberty in New York'',  argued Sanchez, talking about the Coastguard position that a bridge does not qualify as land under the law of  "wet foot, dry foot".  The activist assured that he will continue the hunger strike "day and night". "We are beginning the year with Cubans being treated like we are pieces of crap".

Miguel Saavedra of Mambisa Watch who endorsed the protest said, "The Seven Mile Bridge is American territory.  The existing laws cannot be broken by immigration agents."

"We know that they arrived on land because we received calls from them requesting assistance."  The relatives said.  "This is their third attempt to reach America."  In an emotional plea calling on President Bush to intercede,  Mariela Conesa of Miami said, "I am only a Cuban mother to wants to reunite my family"

The protesters carried posters with messages like, "Mr. President who does the bridge belong to, Cuba or the USA?"  and  "If the feet are dry why send them back to Cuba".  Family member Daumara Hernandez, said they are pursuing legal action to keep the family here and  gain their release.

Please contact the White House and urge President Bush to free these refugees and end the wet foot/dry foot policy.

Email:  [email protected]

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, DC 20500 Phone Numbers:

Comments:   202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX:             202-456-2461

Thanks to somoscubanos