Havana, September 2 (RHC) -– French activist Jacqueline Roussie has urged U.S. President Barack Obama to free three Cuban anti-terrorist fighters held in U.S. jails since 1998.

Sixteen years in prison for innocent men is too long, said the activist in a letter she addressed to Obama, recalling that on September 12, 1998, Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, Rene Gonzalez and Fernando Gonzalez were arrested after they monitored Florida-based terrorist organizations. Three remain in prison despite international demands for their release.

Roussie also recalls in her letter that last June in the United States, the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law handed to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and to President Barack Obama complete records on this case.

The records explain in detail that Gerardo Hernandez, for instance -- who was given two life terms plus 15 years -- had nothing to do with the downing in February 1996 of two airplanes of Brothers to the Rescue, which had violated Cuban air space.

The records also show that the case should be closed with the release of the three anti-terrorists who are still serving long prison sentences and with their return to their country.