Hernandez was sentenced to life in prison, and the other men received lesser terms.
Cuba has maintained that the agents were gathering information on "terrorist" exile groups plotting to harm the island nation and were not spying on the U.S. military.
In an interview in Havana this year, the brother of defendant Rene Gonzalez argued that trying the men in "hostile" Miami was absurd. He and others suggested the best way for the U.S. to improve its dealings with Cuba would be to free them. "It would be good for there to be better relations," Roberto Gonzalez said. "But I think that is almost impossible without resolving the case of the Five."
Cuban officials have indicated that they will continue to press the case of the Five and raise the issue in any talks that might be held with U.S. envoys. But the U.S. government considers the case closed, that the men were fairly convicted, and that the issue is not a priority.
The sharply opposing views are an indication of the nations' different perspectives fed by half a century of estrangement. U.S. officials continue to insist, for example, that Cuba release jailed dissidents and other political prisoners.
President Raul Castro, who took over from his ailing brother last year, reacted recently to the demand this way:
"A gesture for a gesture. We will send those prisoners" to freedom in the U.S., he said.
"But give us back our five heroes."
--
wilkinson@latimes.com
