On February 19th, 6,000 people, trade unionists and students, assembled in the square of the University of Havana to protest against the seizure of Cuban fishing boats and to welcome the 7 of the crew who had been released. These youngsters gavo a press conference where they exposed the mistreatnont,; attempted bribery, intimidation, entice — ment and threats of the U.S. authorities. Seventeen-ycar old Susebio Dorges said that the U.S. authorities had attempted to force them to seek ‘asylum, !
Meanwhile, still in gaol in the U.S., the captains of the boats were being charged with ‘encroaching into United States! territorial waters', and were sentenced ‘by a Florida court to 6 month's imprison ment and a $500 fine each. Thoir attorney is to file an appeal.