Rene Gonzalez (of the Cuban 5) allowed to go to father's funeral.

[Mika]

Judge approves Cuban spy visit home
http://www.freethefive.org/updates/USMedia/USMReneVisit41213.htm

MIAMI -- A federal judge in Miami has granted a convicted Cuban spy's request for a visit home for his father's memorial service.

Judge Joan Lenard approved the request Friday, but imposed several requirements on Rene Gonzalez, who finished his U.S. prison sentence in October 2011 but remains on probation. Gonzalez's 82-year-old father died April 1 after a stroke.

Among the conditions are no contact with Cuban intelligence officials, submission of a detailed travel itinerary and regular communication with Gonzalez's probation officer in the U.S. Gonzalez was allowed to travel to Cuba last year to visit his sick brother and returned to the United States to continue his probation.

Gonzalez is one of the so-called Cuban Five convicted of spying on exiles in Florida and attempting to infiltrate military installations and political campaigns. They are celebrated as heroes in Cuba.

René and his father Candido

[flamingdem]

1. Oh that's very good news! nt

[joshcryer]

2. I suggested this happen due to the return of the criminals:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=449833

The judge may have considered that act in this case and is trusting René to follow the instructions. Great news to hear.

[Mika]

3. He's on parole. Staying in the USA to fulfill the complete sentence.

He could have hi-tailed it back to Cuba as soon as he was released from prison.
I wish them all the very best.

Nice of you to feel as you did too.

[joshcryer]

4. He could still stay in Cuba and ignore the judges instructions.

I think, personally, he'll probably follow through because once he's off parole he'll be able to go back and forth between Cuba and the US and campaign for the release of his fellow Cubans. Note: I think the sentences were far too harsh for what they were found guilty of doing, especially in light of their intent.

[Mika]

5. He's also representing the other 4.

Solidarity. Cubañia!

Viva Cuba!

[Judi Lynn]

6. He surely is! He's not the kind to do otherwise. n/t

[Judi Lynn]

7. At least his father died knowing probably everyone in Cuba

with the exception of the US employees, sees his son as a real hero.

What a shame they had to spend the last years apart.