Petition seeks pardon for jailed (Cuban) exile bomber

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.''