Miami Herald
July 29, 2008
By Alfonso Chardy

Several Cuban exile organizations have launched a campaign to persuade
President Bush to pardon convicted Cuban exile militant Eduardo
Arocena, reputed mastermind of Omega 7, whose group was blamed for
numerous bombings in Miami and New York.

Arocena, now 65, was sentenced to life plus 35 years in prison for
gunning down a Cuban diplomat and for several bombings in the New York
City area. Also, a federal jury in Miami convicted Arocena of planting
nine bombs over a four-year period in the Miami area.

After bombings, Omega 7 would leave notes taking responsibility. They
were often signed by ”Omar,” who was later identified as Arocena.

Arocena’s wife, Miriam, is leading the campaign for his release through
a website — libertadparaarocena.com — in which she asks for
signatures for a petition to be sent to President Bush for a pardon
before he leaves office.

”After 25 years in prison in the United States, I have again taken up
the cause seeking a presidential pardon for my husband, Eduardo
Arocena,” Miriam Arocena wrote in an open letter featured on the
website.

Arocena, also known as Omar, was Omega 7′s leader.

In September 1984, a jury found the 43-year-old former dockworker guilty of murder, attempted murder and of numerous bombings.

He was sentenced to life plus 35 years and is now serving time in a federal prison in California.

”My husband was sentenced severely, perhaps to more time than his
actions warranted, for having violated some laws of the United
States,” Miriam Arocena said. “But it should be remembered that his
actions were carried out on behalf of his deep desire to return liberty
and democracy to our fatherland, Cuba.”