“Our political prisoners are like the Cuban 5, slapped and imprisoned for trumped-up charges. We appeal for the Pope’s intervention.”

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA – Inspired by the recent release of Cuban political prisoners, Filipino political prisoners appealed to Pope Francis to intercede for their release.

On Dec. 17, 2014, three of the remaining Cuban 5 who were imprisoned by U.S. authorities for 16 years — Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labañino, and Antonio Guerrero – had been freed. Their release has been regarded as a significant step in the normalization of US-Cuban relations. The two others — Rene Gonzales and Fernando Gonzales – were released earlier. The Guardian reported that Pope Francis and the Vatican played key roles in the reopening of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

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