CUBA, 13 April , 2007.- While in Cuba, Venezuela, the US and other countries repulsion mounted over a judge’s decision to free terrorist Luis Posada Carriles on bail, on Thursday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans barred what appeared to be his imminent release. Posada was about to be released to go to Miami to await trial on immigration fraud when the appeals court postponed his release, reported EFE. The court responded to an emergency request from the US Justice Department which asked for more time to "explore the possibility of appealing the decision" of US District Judge Kathleen Cardone. Posada has until Tuesday to appeal the court order that he remains in detention. Justice Department attorney John F. DePue was quoted as saying, "Posada Carriles' history demonstrates that there is a very real risk that he will flee if released," before his trial on May 11 on several counts of immigration fraud. He has not been charged for any of his more serious crimes, such as the in-flight bombing of a commercial Cuban airliner in 1976 that killed all 73 persons on board. Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans attended rallies at work places, schools and community gatherings around the country to speak out against the impunity enjoyed by the terrorist. The participants also demanded the release of the Cuban Five, the antitheses of Posada, who dedicated their lives to uncovering terrorist plots against Cuba —like the ones executed by Posada— hatched in southern Florida. The Cuban Five have spent more than eight years in US prisons. The impending release of Posada brought indignation from Venezuela, which seeks his extradition to stand trial for the plane bombing. Despite a long standing extradition agreement with the South American nation and Washington’s commitments to international law and under its crusade against terrorism, the Bush administration has refused to honor the treaty. Jose Pertierra, the attorney representing Venezuela in the case, said that justice would only be served if Posada is handed to Venezuelan authorities to answer for his multiple crimes, or in the absence of extradition, he is tried in the US for his terrorist activities and not just for lying to immigration officials. (Cubaminrex-PL)
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