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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Treatment of Prisoners.

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

314 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will intervene with the US Government in the case of the Miami five; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 3,478 Cuban citizens were killed by US based terrorist groups. [20156/02]

The case referred to by the Deputy involves five Cuban men who have been convicted in the United States on charges ranging from espionage to first degree murder. I am aware of the public campaign which claims that the men concerned are innocent of the charges made against them. I am also aware that the convictions are to be the subject of an appeal. It is essential that this appeal be conducted in a manner which is fair and impartial and free from political considerations. It would be inappropriate, therefore, for me to comment further at this stage.

I can confirm that my attention has been drawn to claims by the Cuban Government that 3,478 Cubans have been killed by US-based terrorist groups since 1959. I am not in a position to verify the accuracy of this claim.

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