Opposing Sides Rally Before Hearing on Elian Gonzalez
Demonstrators on both sides of the debate over Elian Gonzalez’s return to Cuba held rallies Wednesday to voice their positions on the eve of a court hearing to decide whether the child should be given an asylum hearing.
In Westwood, about 300 people, many waving American flags, gathered in front of the Federal Building to support granting Elian asylum.
Later in the day, about two dozen pro-Fidel Castro demonstrators marched in front of the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles to call for Elian’s immediate return to Cuba with his father.
A U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing is scheduled today in Atlanta on the issue of an asylum hearing.
The Westwood rally was held in conjunction with other demonstrations across the nation. The demonstrators in downtown Los Angeles were from Peace for Cuba Appeal, the International Action Center and Coalition in Solidarity With Cuba. All three groups support the Castro-led Cuban revolution and advocate lifting economic sanctions against the island country.
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