In August 2003, Judicial Watch launched an international effort to punish Communist dictator Fidel Castro for his crimes against humanity. In the wake of an historic meeting organized by Judicial Watch between its Cuban American clients and President Bush, Judicial Watch then initiated a six-country European tour to rally international opposition to Castro's brutal regime. These efforts are paying off as world leaders issue strong statements condemning Castro.
"The Cuban people continue to suffer under the stranglehold of a terrorist dictator and we're pleased world leaders are taking notice and taking action," said JW President Tom Fitton.
Consider the following results of the tour thus far:
On September 4, the 626-member European Union assembly passed a joint resolution demanding that Cuba immediately release its political prisoners and end his political crackdown on opposition groups. Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini, whose country holds the EU presidency, told the European Parliament that the Cuban government has "not taken a single positive step to meet the goals that Europe has set."
The Greek government announced on August 27th, that it would not issue a visa to Castro to attend the 2004 Olympics in Athens, as requested by Judicial Watch.
Judicial Watch successfully lobbied to bar musicians loyal to Castro's regime from the Latin Grammy Awards held on September 3, 2003. Judicial Watch's efforts included a national publicity campaign as well as meetings with top U.S. government officials.
JW's private diplomatic mission was organized with the cooperation of the Bush State Department. During the meeting between JW's Cuban American clients and President Bush, the President promised not to abandon the Cuban people.
