Published October 20, 2001.
Chicago Tribune
HAVANA, CUBA -- Five of six Cuban men jailed pending trial since late 1999
for allegedly providing the boat for the ill-fated sea voyage of Elian Gonzalez
have begun a hunger strike, relatives and dissidents said Friday.
The detainees began their protest Monday, demanding immediate trial or
release from jail. According to state prosecution papers, the men are variously
charged with constructing, transporting, repairing and hiding the boat that set
off illegally with 14 Cubans in November 1999, seeking to reach the United
States. No date has been set for their trial.
The boat capsized off Florida, drowning 10 of the Cubans, including Elian's
mother. Elian was rescued, setting off a seven-month custody dispute that ended
with the boy's return to his father in Cuba.
Copyright © 2001, Chicago Tribune | 
