American protesters walked across the border from Canada after a
visit to Cuba that violated a US travel ban, in the spotlight after
Michael Moore's film on health care in both countries.
About 60 members of pro-Cuba group Venceremos Brigade walked the
Peace Bridge border crossing linking Canada and Buffalo, New York,
on their return from Havana.
US travelers to Cuba often fly through Canada, which has regular
flights to the country.
"The government is telling us we don't have a right to travel, and
we think we do, so we're ready to wage a legal battle with our
government," brigade member Kathe Karlson said as the group
gathered in Fort Erie, Ontario, for the 1.6 km trek across the
bridge.
The protesters walked in groups of 15, hauling their luggage up a
narrow sidewalk high above the Niagara River as trucks, buses and
cars rumbled by on the three-lane span.
Every year since 1969, the brigade has sent a group to help rebuild
public buildings in Cuba and learn more about a communist country
that has been off-limits to most US citizens since the ban was
imposed at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s.
US restrictions on trade and travel to Cuba have faced opposition
lately from some lawmakers.
Moore's film "SiCKO," in which he takes rescue workers injured
in the Sept 11 attacks to Havana for free medical treatment, has
also put a spotlight on the countries' relations.
US authorities have been investigating Moore's trip as a potential
violation of Washington's travel restriction.
Americans who travel to Cuba without permission generally do not
face arrest on their return, but some face civil fines of $7,500
(NZ$9,799) for spending money in Cuba without a license, and tough
questions from immigrations official are typical.
Bonnie Massey, a 26-year-old social worker from the Bronx, said
nine of the 600 people who have participated in the trips over the
past six years have been threatened with fines.
"Those people are waiting for hearings," she said.
The group would welcome the opportunity to take a case to the US
Supreme Court, Massey said.
They may have a long wait.
US customs officials processed the first 15 members through in
about 20 minutes, with minimal fuss.
